Review by Tim Morriss

He’s back, oh yes he is! But entertainer Adam Moss is not behind you — he’s in front of you for the next five weeks as Aladdin, the annual panto at Mansfield Palace Theatre, begins its festive run.

Adam, or should I say Wishee Washee, was ‘introduced’ as Mansfield’s favourite panto comedian, back by popular demand — and he again lived up to that billing.

A regular at the theatre since he first appeared in 2014, his all-action comedy style, full of funny faces, fast one-liners, and terrific energy has made him a firm favourite.

And in Aladdin he doesn’t disappoint, surrounded by equally strong performances as all the main characters delivered a non-stop stream of witty jokes to make sure the production — a tweaked version of the traditional tale of a boy, a lamp, and a genie — flew by in a blur of colourful costumes and scenery, fast-paced merriment, well-chosen music, and general fun and mayhem.

From the moment he first took to the stage, giving his own inimitable take on Aussie breakdancer Raygun who became a cult hit at the summer Olympics, Wishee Washee had theatregoers on the edge of their seats — and diving for cover as he sprinted into the audience to give them a soaking with his water gun.

Many highlights followed, notably when Wishee was ‘disguised’ as a tree and also as he tried to catch out his fellow cast with his quickfire, unexpected changes to the script, while also laughing at his own mistakes.

His interaction with the audience was as strong as ever. My particular favourite moment was a balloon scene, but more of that later because it would be totally wrong to say this was a one-man show — far from it.

All the cast, from the main characters to dancers from EPA Academy of Performing Arts and Razzamataz, played their part in making sure the panto was memorable for all the right reasons.

For example, James Mackenzie, best known for his role as Raven in the BAFTA award-winning CBBC series of the same name, quickly got into character as the traditional ‘baddie’, urging the audience to boo him every time Abanazar took to the stage.

However, there was far more to this Abanazar than a simple villain. His own string of jokes and lighter moments, his singing as he searched for a disguise, and his ‘failed’ magic tricks until the final one — and the dramatic reappearance of the kidnapped Princess Jasmine (Mairi Ikegami) behind a red curtain — all made this ‘baddie’ far more than your average villain.

Pantomime means a singalong, ‘ghost’ scene, and slapstick. Aladdin delivered on all fronts, the slapstick particularly memorable as Widow Twankey (Ben Harlow) got a pie in the face.

We all knew it was coming, but it was still a laugh-out-loud moment.

Ben’s pantomime dame included the usual elements, such as innuendo and colourful costumes — with a washing machine hat the best. But I enjoyed the unexpected references to Bruce Forsyth, a nod to Ben’s tall presence on stage and facial features.

Paolo Micallef’s energetic performance in the title role of Aladdin kept the storyline moving long at a pace — particularly flying through the air on a magic carpet.

Cartwheeling Shahar Mizrahi was a gentle, but pleasing Genie. Shannon Farrell’s Spirit of the Ring was a fun presence, also full of well-scripted one-liners, while Emperor Mark Peachey and his princess daughter added to a thoroughly enjoyable pantomime and made sure there were no weak links.

Music was a strong feature in Aladdin with cleverly reworked songs to suit all age groups. I really enjoyed ‘Hey Hey We’re The Twankees’ — a new twist to The Monkees’ TV theme song — and a spectacular version of Joseph’s Coat Of Many Colours from the hit Joseph musical.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Orridge Photography

And so back to my highlight — and also that of a 90-year-old and a 7-year-old who were laughing along with me. Wishee Washee and Widow Twankee moving balloons around between them without using their hands, all played out with great facial expressions and to music, will live long in the memory.

In fact, it was so good that I’ve booked to go again!

To get your tickets to see Aladdin, which runs until 31st December, call 01623 463133 or go to mansfieldpalace.co.uk

And if you’re already planning ahead for Christmas 2025, the Palace Theatre will be hosting Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs — starring, of course, Adam Moss. Tickets are also on sale at the theatre box office.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Orridge Photography