Panto review: Organised chaos of Aladdin is great fun at Cork Opera House

I’m not normally a fan of chaos, but when it comes to the panto, it’s pretty much an essential ingredient, and one that was abundant at Cork Opera House’s Aladdin.

To be clear, this was the type of wonderful chaos that offers the ultimate escapism and left the audience crying with laughter and continually surprised. We’re talking water guns, confetti, a random appearance from Bluey, a dancing dinosaur, and pancakes being thrown in the air. That kind of chaos.

Directed by Trevor Ryan, this year’s panto loosely follows the familiar tale of Aladdin, interspersed with plenty of drama and comedy.

Aladdin and Jasmine are ably played by Anthony Sahota and Issy Khogali, respectively, both with West End experience. 

The high point, literally, of their performance came at the opening of Act Two, when they are taken on a magic-carpet ride high above the audience. 

It was one of many magical moments during the circa two-hour panto and it not only left children gasping, but had some of the adults craning their necks to try to ascertain the mechanics behind the flight.

The sets, costumes, and props were impressive, even if one element (no spoiler) led us to leap from our seats.

The genie, played by Youghal’s Callum Martin, brought plenty of laughs, as well as impressive vocals, while Michael Grennel shone as the evil Abanazar.

Alison McCormack was back on the Opera House panto stage for the third year, where she played Aladdin’s twin sister, Wishee Washy. 

Alison’s Bosco-like character had the crowd in stitches, but her vocals were certainly not to be laughed at: The Cork woman delivered a haunting rendition of Kingfishr’s Killeagh.

Frank Mackey (who co-wrote Aladdin with Trevor Ryan), returned this year as Nanny Nellie, bringing the unique Cork humour and flavour that only Frank Mackey can to the stage.

My 11-year-old was particularly impressed with the music. There were plenty of songs that would be familiar to fans of the likes of Ed Sheeran, KPop Demon Hunters, or Sabrina Carpenter.

Did we find ourselves reluctantly on our feet, dancing and singing along to Soda Pop? Yes. Were we relieved there wasn’t a single reference to 6-7? Of course, although I suspect it is the teachers who attend who will be most relieved about this. Would we recommend a trip to this year’s panto to a friend?

Oh yes, we would.

Aladdin continues at Cork Opera House until Sunday, January 18.

Tickets are priced at €25/€39.50/€42.50 with a family pass from €145.

See corkoperahouse.ie