Nothing Wishee Washee about this

I went to see a special showing of Swansea's Grand Theatre pantomime Aladdin this evening, as all the cast, staff and takings from the event went to the Gleision Miners fund. A staggering £11,000 was raised on the night, which combined with the £13,000 they had already raised with bucket collections during each show, is a terrific sum of money for a worthy cause.

So back to the panto itself and all I can say is that is excellent, spectacular and amazing! Were there enough superlatives in that? Lol! The panto stars little Jimmy Osmond as Wishee Washee, Swansea's own Kevin Johns as Window Twankey, local girl Zoe George as Princess Jasmine and Liam Doyle as Aladdin. The panto is nearing the end of its run now, it finishes next week, but it was quite clear from this performance that the cast work well together and are enjoying themselves.

So what makes the panto achieve all those superlatives? I think its many things, I've mentioned the way the cast works together but it's also the costumes, the set, the songs and not forgetting the 3D effects. Yes people with the aid of 3D glasses you actually get to see the genie of the lamp come right out into the audience, you get a trip on the magic carpet, a crocodile eats you, and it was fantastic and great fun. Although it is also scary and one little person was upset by it, but the rest of the kids around me were having a jolly good time of it. It's what panto is all about, magic!

This was my second panto of the season after seeing Robinson Crusoe in Cardiff, and I've got to say that the production values involved in both have been outstanding and the kids of today are able to experience the true magic of theatre.

Oh no they're not! Oh yes they are! Lol!