Hop on a carpet ride of festive fun as Norwich Theatre Royal brings Aladdin to life with a delightful Norfolk twist. With a brand-new script by panto legend Richard Gauntlett, this year’s show promises to be a hilarious adventure for the whole family.
But there’s another shocker: for the first time in over 20 years, Gauntlett won’t be on stage as the panto dame. Can Joe Tracini and the rest of the cast step up to fill the big shoes he’s left behind? We’ve got all the details in our review (spoiler-free, of course) to help you decide if Aladdin is the must-see treat for your family this Christmas.
Note: We were invited to the press night to see the show so that we could share our experience with our readers. All photos were provided by Norwich Theatre and the featured image was taken by Richard Jarmy Photography.
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Synopsis of Aladdin
This panto offers a fresh spin on the classic tale of Aladdin. Our hero, Al, dreams of a future with his beloved Jazz. His mother, Widow Molly Piecrust, and brother, Reg, do their best to guide him. However, Professor Beatrix Bottomburgh, Jazz’s wicked aunt, has other plans. She’ll stop at nothing to keep the young lovers apart, then things change once she discovers Aladdin’s potential to help her find the magical lamp. Will love conquer evil, or will the professor’s schemes prevail?
Cast of Aladdin at Norwich Theatre Royal
The 2024 Panto at Norwich Theatre Royal has a star-studded cast. You will probably be familiar with at least a few of them.
Joe Tracini returns to the Norwich panto stage, having made his debut in 2019 as Buttons in ‘Cinderella.’ He went on to steal the spotlight as Tommy the Cat in ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat‘ in 2021, took the title role in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk,’ and last year, both wrote and starred in ‘Sleeping Beauty‘ as the Good Fairy. Off-stage, he’s a familiar face from TV favourites like ‘Hollyoaks,’ ‘Coming of Age,’ and ‘The Great Outdoors.’
Lisa Maxwell takes on the role of Professor Beatrix Bottomburgh, the Evil Aunt. You may recognise her from iconic television roles in ‘The Bill’, ‘EastEnders’, ‘Hollyoaks’, ‘Casualty’, or from her time as a panelist on Loose Women.
Playing Aladdin is Tarik Frimpong, an Australian-Ghanaian actor, singer, and dancer who made his feature film debut as Angus in Disney’s ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ (2018). His impressive credits also include roles in Australian productions and on the West End, where he starred as Prince Abdullah in Disney’s ‘Aladdin the Musical’.
Meesha Turner, who plays Jazz, is best known for her role as Queen Catherine Parr in the West End hit ‘Six the Musical’ from 2021 to 2022.
Norfolk’s own Owen Evans takes on the Dame role for the first time. Many will know him as one half of the beloved comedy duo, the Nimmo Twins.
After 23 years as Norwich’s panto dame, Richard Gauntlett steps back from the stage but remains a vital part of the production as its writer. With a career spanning over 40 years, Gauntlett has left his mark on musicals, operas, and television alike.
Review of Aladdin
From the moment Aladdin begins, Norwich Theatre Royal delivers the kind of entertaining, laugh-out-loud experience that panto fans dream of. The show opens with a giant, 3D-like book, transporting the audience into the story of Aladdin. The surprises don’t stop there.
This isn’t the Aladdin story you may remember from childhood, but that’s what makes it so captivating. Set in the quirky world of Norwich-on-the-verge, Richard Gauntlett’s reimagining breathes new life into the classic tale. Yes, there’s a genie in a lamp, a magic carpet, and an unlikely hero named Aladdin, though he prefers to be called Al. Beyond that, the story is packed with Gauntlett’s signature humour and wild imagination.
Joe Tracini shines as the comedic heart of the show. A true Norwich Theatre panto veteran, he had the audience laughing non-stop with his sharp wit, physical comedy, and brilliant delivery. His one-minute recap of an hour’s worth of the panto was pure genius.
The audience absolutely loves Tracini, and it’s clear they enjoyed every chance to join in the fun. This year, he led the traditional singalong on his own before inviting two young audience members on stage at the end. This panto feels more interactive than ever.
Lisa Maxwell shines as the deliciously wicked Professor Bellatrix Bottomburgh, Jazz’s Evil Aunt. Maxwell brings a mischievous charm to the role, particularly during her hilarious Shania Twain-inspired performance. It’s clear she’s having as much fun as the audience.
Meesha Turner, as Jazz, wowed with her powerhouse vocals and natural chemistry with Tarik Frimpong, who played Aladdin. Frimpong has a star quality that’s impossible to ignore. When I saw him perform at the Norwich Christmas Light Switch On, I knew he would be just as fantastic here. His smooth singing voice, effortless dance moves, and infectious energy make him a joy to watch.
Norfolk’s own Owen Evans made his debut as the Dame, and he brought plenty of laughs and his own unique charm to the role. He didn’t appear in every scene, but his moments on stage were full of charm and humour. With his quick wit, fabulous costumes, and brilliant use of the Norfolk dialect to connect with the audience, Evans’ take on the Dame was funny and full of promise. He definitely has a bright future as a panto dame.
Norwich Theatre Royal has outdone itself this year with spectacular sets. The forest and mine scenes are so realistic, it’s easy to forget you’re in a theatre. When Aladdin and Jazz soared high above the stage on the magic carpet the audience was in awe and wondering how they pulled off such an impressive illusion.
This year’s costumes might just be the most colourful yet. They pair perfectly with the high-energy choreography, which was fantastic throughout. One number, where the cast moved around frantically, narrowly missing each other many times, had the audience in stitches—it was both hilarious and brilliantly executed.
The show’s stats alone are enough to impress: 50,000 audience members expected during the run, 3,000 volunteer hours, 30 musical numbers, over 100 LED lights, 12kg of confetti, and 16 scenes with 15 seamless changes. But it’s the details—the comedic touches, the imaginative storytelling, and the energy of the cast—that truly make this panto shine.
The ensemble also deserve a special mention. It was nice to see some familiar faces back from Sleeping Beauty. One of my favourite parts in the panto was the police officer dancing and training scene.
This panto was a magical carpet ride of unexpected twists, belly laughs, and of course, a happy ending. Richard Gauntlett’s influence is all over this production, and it’s every bit as funny as you’d expect from him—if not funnier.
With its dazzling effects, side-splitting comedy, and heartwarming spirit, Aladdin at Norwich Theatre Royal is the perfect festive treat for families. Don’t miss your chance to experience the creativity firsthand. Book your tickets here now and create unforgettable memories this Christmas!
RELATED: Festive Things to Do in Norwich During Christmas
Looking ahead we can get excited for next year as Theatre Royal has announced the panto will be Cinderella. You can get early bird discounts for all performances if booked before 31 January 2025. Get details here.
Aladdin FAQs
The panto opened at Norwich Theatre Royal Saturday 7 December 2024 and runs until Sunday 5 January 2025.
Tickets range from £10 – £40. You can buy them here.
The show lasts approximately 2 hours (including the 20-minute interval).
Yes, it’s a panto so it’s perfect for kids. For more family-friendly ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in Norwich with kids.
You can have a pre-show meal in the Prelude Restaurant and with every 2 or 3 course adult meal, a child under 12 can enjoy a free main course and dessert!
Before the show and during the interval, snacks and drinks can be purchased at Cafe Royal or the Circle or Stalls Bar.
Norwich Theatre Royal is easy to get to as it is located on Theatre Street (next to the Assembly House) in the Norwich city centre. It’s about a 7 minute walk from the Norwich Bus Station or a 20 minute walk from the Norwich Train Station.
You could use any car park in Norwich city centre, but The Forum and Chantry car parks are the closest ones to Norwich Theatre Royal. Alternatively, you could use the Park u0026 Ride for matinee performances as it’s a short walk from the Norwich Bus Station.