WITH A floating magic carpet, jokes galore and the most sparkly outfit ever seen, the opening night of Aladdin was the whole new world audiences had been waiting to be transported to!

Masked up, I attended the opening of the pantomime at Llandudno's Venue Cymru with my husband on Saturday, December 11 and it certainly didn't disappoint!

The 'Welshed up' production allowed audiences to enter a world of high energy silliness, delightful musical numbers and fine comic acting. 

Pantomime favourite John Evans [Wishee Washee] had audiences in stitches from the moment he arrived on stage. Paired with Eric Potts [Widow 'Myfanwy' Twankey], who also directed the show, the duo created gales of laughter with their gags and performances.

Highlight scenes included Aladdin [Danny Hendrix], Wishee and Widow Twankey at Twankey's Laundry and a hilarious 'love song' featuring Aladdin [Danny Hendrix], Princess Jasmine [Denbigh's Jade Davies] and Wishee where the trio spent the whole time pulling each other off the furniture. Wishee was dressed in a spectacular gold costume, that certainly would not go amiss in Strictly Come Dancing!, And he described himself as 'the fattest Oscar statue'.

There was also another fun moment when Widow Twankey, Wishee and the High Councillor [Rhos-on-Sea's James Lusted] arrived at Abanazar's Palace to provide the entertainment. 

It is not often you hear a good fart joke, but the script had them all! And it wasn't just the little ones sharing in the laughter. From one of the suitors wanting to claim the hand of the princess - 'no lighty no likey', to the High Councillor admitting he wasn't best pleased to be standing at 'bum height' behind Wishee. 

A number of small mistakes were handled professionally from Wishee calling Widow Twankey 'he' instead of 'she' on more than one occasion and Wishee's balloon 'breast' popping!

There were many light-hearted references to Llandudno and the surrounding area from the cave on the Great Orme, goats, The Albert Pub, the Imperial Hotel - 'that's mint' Aladdin replied! - and the 'petrifying pointy pitchforks of Prestatyn!' 

Widow Twankey also compared her bra to Prestatyn Town FC and quipped it had 'no cups and very little support!'

A few cheeky political gags also featured [Boris was never going to be safe was he!] And there was a light nod to I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! which is being hosted at Gwrych Castle near Abergele.  

The glitzy-costumes [especially Aladdin's when he becomes a prince - WOW] and sets were spectacular as well as the special effects which included a magic carpet which flew into the air.

Opting for a small young adult ensemble gave the chance for these dancers to really shine. There was also superb performances from Scheherazade [Johanna Johnston]; Abanazar [Jason Marc-Williams] and Connor McAllister [Genie] which didn't go unnoticed.  

Aladdin and Jasmine's love was convincing. Both of these actors are blessed with magnificent singing voices which blended well. And the choice of songs, Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud; Take That's Greatest Day and Queen's I Want It All, complemented the show well.

There was also a clever twist during the end where spectators were given the go-head to take photos of the 'royal wedding' and were encouraged to share their pictures on social media to promote the show. 

The wish for a magical panto night was certainly granted. 

Book your magic carpet and take the ride!

Aladdin will run at Venue Cymru from December 11 2021 until January 2 2022. To book tickets visit www.venuecymru.co.uk/aladdin-3