The Gaiety Theatre in Ayr is currently hosting a production that proves pantomime can be both traditional and refreshingly original. Fraser Boyle's "Aladdie" offers audiences a merry, magical ride through a familiar story, reimagined with several clever innovations and a subtle subversive streak that keeps the genre feeling vital and new.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Tale
Set in the fictional locale of Ancient Old New Cumnock, this is a show directed by Tom Cooper that expertly balances convention with creativity. On one hand, it delivers the rosy-cheeks-and-spotty-socks charm audiences expect, complete with painted backdrops and a familiar score. The musical arrangements are a delightful mix, incorporating everything from a 1970s disco medley to the unexpected inclusion of Tom Lehrer's Poisoning Pigeons in the Park.
One of the production's most memorable sequences offers a brilliantly funny alternative to a magic carpet ride. When the villain Abanazar, played with delicious menace by Gavin Jon Wright, reveals his lair's location, the cast gives chase not on a flying rug, but on the bus to Maybole. This filmed segment, presented as an outside broadcast, is a highlight, generating generous laughs and showcasing the show's inventive spirit.
A Subversive Parable and Standout Performances
Boyle's script diverges from the standard fairytale to offer a thoughtful parable about wealth. Princess Destiny, portrayed by Mia Musakambeva, is no passive royal. Refusing to be a nepo baby despite being the daughter of the majestic Empress Oonagh of Ayrshire (Hannah Howie), she opts for business college and a work placement at Widow Twankey's laundry.
Her character has a clearer sense of the hero's worth than he does himself. Aladdie, played by Lewis Kerr who possesses a fine musical-theatre voice, finds that his sudden riches become the problem rather than the solution. His transformation into a gaudy arriviste only serves to push the princess away.
Yet, the show arguably belongs to Ciara Flynn as Alassie, the hero's kid sister. With a Clara Bow expressiveness—all big eyes and black lashes—she acts as our entry point into the world of grownup love and avarice. She punchily lands each gag, making a mockery of both empress and lowlife before blending back into the chorus of a truly merry ensemble show.
A Celebration of Community and Laughter
The production is big on community engagement, a fact highlighted when the magic lamp yields not one, but four genies, where enthusiastic actors triumph over flashy special effects. Gavin Jon Wright's Abanazar relishes the audience's boos as much as they enjoy delivering them, especially as he recklessly squanders his three wishes.
Fraser Boyle himself appears as an equal-opportunities dame, sharing the laughs generously across the cast and ensuring no single performer hogs the spotlight. The result is a cohesive and joyful company performance that feels both generous and inclusive.
This innovative take on the classic Aladdin story is a must-see. The show runs at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr until 4 January, offering a perfect festive outing full of magic, music, and meaningful laughter.
