Showing @ Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, until Sat 7 Jan 2012
If you haven’t decided whether to use your three wishes to get the UK back into Europe, make the bankers pay for their neoliberal crimes or simply request a lifetime supply of booze, you could always follow A-lad-in-need-of-a-lamp (Derek McGhie) as he rubs his spout for a bit of Genie (Robert Read) action. With the help of Wishee Washee (Scott Hoatson) and Widow Twanky (Colin Carr), will the group defeat the evil Abanazar (Edward Cory) who’s out to bollocks it all up?
The Brunton welcomes back writer/director Liam Rudden to relocate Musselburgh town all the way to Peking, as reds and oranges crowd the stage from the rich, elaborate costumes to the eastern-ised set. A somewhat Oriental theme characterises this year’s production, something which Edward Said might have a word or two to say about, yet retains all the playfulness and audience participation famous at the Brunton. Musical duets from McGhie’s Aladdin and Julie Heatherill as Princess Blossom compliment the energy of Hoatson and Carr, who both invigorate the occasional flat moments. Gags aplenty make up much of the script, from puns on princes to frolics on finance as the Brunton troupe warm up this year’s panto season in exotic style and class.