REVIEW: Aladdin at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Aladdin

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Sunday 18 January 2026

The Theatre Royal Christmas show is something unique amongst the shows in the North East. It is a spectacular variety performance that has the audience laughing, clapping and cheering throughout its 2 hour run. At its core is the dynamo with the funny bones - Mr Danny Adams and his father Mr Clive Webb. They know how to make the silliest moment become a memorable joke.

This is a show in which you are immediately struck by the lavish set, fresh lighting and hanging clouds - and the show has not even started yet. When it starts you also witness the sublime costumes and special effects.  

This year is different in one respect though... it is Danny and Clive's 20th (along with writer/director/writer - Wallsend's very own Michael Harrison). It opens with the Spirit of the Ring, South Shield's Joe McElderry singing about the 20 years of productions. The ensemble, and Mick Potts, appear as a variety of characters from Snow White and Hook through to the Beast as Joe works through the impressive back catalogue. Even one of the big special effects appears during the number. I'm going to suggest that the budget on the opening number was possibly greater than some entire shows. This is going to be a special event.

Danny and Clive then make their entrance. Danny is Aladdin - though he immediately points out there's not going to be much of the usual story as he introduces his Dad as Mr Goose. Here's the thing - there is not much plot at all. Aladdin still wants to date the Princess Jemima (Billie-Kay) and her Dad Old King Cole (Wayne Smith) isn't interested as Aladdin is poor. We have the evil Wicked Witch of Wallsend (Rachel Stanley) wanting a lamp that only the chosen one (Aladdin) can retrieve but that's about it for the normal story, as this show is replete with Geordie references, centred as it is around the Royal Kingdom of Pantomania - and the Theatre Royal. That's right, there's no laundry in this show. But there is a flying carpet.

Mick Potts appears as the Genie as uses his unique physical comedy to create a lot of laughs. Another non-speaking part is Priscilla the Goose (Oliver Moriarty) who, again , is funny by the use of physical theatre.

That leaves one final ingredient that makes the Theatre Royal experience different. Chris Hayward has been as much a part of the success of these shows as the front two. Amazingly quick costume changes means that this dame, Mother Goose, can spring up at any time in a completely different - and spectacular - outfit. Chris is also the element that brings the audience closer to the performance.

So, as is often the case, chaos ensues - Danny cracks jokes, Joe sings, Clive does some magic, occasionally a bit of story begins.. but not for long before we have another song, more jokes and more effects that make you go "wow". 

This is not a show for the fans of storytelling or the traditional elements of pantomime. This is a show for those who want a funny, sensational show that celebrates the positivity of the region. It is a grand affair that considers its mission is to make the audience leave with a smile on their face and a warm feeling as they leave. It is also a show that makes you wonder where the intentional "mistakes" are in he script - and where the genuine mishaps are.

This is a celebration is two decades of entertaining the Geordie nation - and long may it continue.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Paul Coltas   

Tickets:

Aladdin plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 25 Nov 2025 – Sun 18 Jan 2026. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.