Aladdin at The Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Jan 5 2019.

We’re so lucky to have such a variety of theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Last week, I saw A Christmas Carol at the RSC – a lesson in spellbinding set design and professional excellence. This week, I saw Aladdin at the tiny but atmospheric Attic Theatre, perched right on the edge of the river, close to Cox’s Yard.

While the RSC can teach about world-class theatre, the team at Tread the Boards Theatre Company offer lessons in creating family laughter, conjuring festive playfulness, and dishing out a hearty dose of seasonal cheer.

In writer Mike Totton’s version of Aladdin, the eponymous hero is already in love with Princess Yasmine, while deliciously wicked baddie Abanazar needs the lad to get his hands on the magic lamp. It’s the story you know but with panto twists and more than a few local references.

As seems to be traditional with pantomime, it’s Widow Twankee who not only steals the show (played by Pete Meredith) – he/she picks it up, stuffs it up her ginormous multi-coloured skirts, and runs away with it. Marc Alden Taylor as Wishee is also incredibly engaging.

The Stratfordblog verdict

For family laughs in an intimate, charming Stratford venue, get along to see Aladdin at The Attic Theatre (and kids, brush up on your ‘Baby Shark’ moves. Trust me).

Aladdin at The Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, runs until January 5 2019, with shows every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Book tickets here.

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Information correct at date of publication