Kernow King reigns true in Hall for Cornwall’s unmissable Aladdin

Theatre review by FLEUR ROGERSON

The crowd for Aladdin (Photo credits: Katie Winsor)

As someone who’s made a tradition of beginning the Christmas festivities each year with a panto, Hall for Cornwall’s production of Aladdin is a keen contender for the best one I’ve seen in recent times.

It’s no surprise given the talent on stage and behind the scenes.

This year’s production is co-written by Richard Hearley and Edward Rowe (the Kernow King), who also steps into the role of the Dame.

Rowe’s performance as Widow Twerkey, Aladdin’s mother who lost her ‘twerk’ following the death of her husband, is filled with intentional hilarity and plenty of Cornish jokes.

Paired with Gareth Cooper as Willy Washaway, Aladdin’s brother, the duo steal the show as comedic partners, mixing slapstick, wordplay, stand-up and plenty of audience interaction.

Edward Rowe as Widow Twerkey (Photo credits: Hugh Hastings, Hall for Cornwall)

Rowe’s extravagant outfits are fantastic.

From the laundry-related numbers to an entire outfit made from Cornish Tartan and Saint Piran’s flag, Costume Coordinator and Wardrobe Manager Aly Fielden outdid herself, with each ensemble adding to Rowe’s phenomenal performance.

Meanwhile, Alexander Jude (playing Aladdin) and Jasmine Cole (Jasmine) have the more functional but important role of focusing the plot and providing the romance, but do so with charm and much musicality.

One addition to the traditional plot is the Spirit of Widow Twerkey’s ring, a sassy character who speaks in rhyme, played by Mali Wen Davies.

Her Welsh accent and gorgeous singing brought nothing but smiles and laughs to the audience from her interactions with the rest of the cast.

This is all complemented by some entertainingly choreographed numbers from Jevan Howard-Jones, featuring many classic and recently popular songs, from ABBA to Chappell Roan.

Despite not being Cornish myself, the show’s strong focus on Kernow pride fosters a sense of local connection, from the predominantly Cornish talent to the name ‘Kernow Town’ and the inclusion of the Cornish Twelve Days of Christmas, making the audience feel proud of their culture.

While pantomimes naturally lean towards juvenile humour, the jokes in Aladdin strike a perfect balance.

Everyone, from children to adults, will enjoy the humour and feel included – and leave with far more profound knowledge of Cornish towns.