Archive: this review concerns the 2025–26 pantomime.
Aladdin at Buxton Opera – Review
In 2025, Buxton Opera House’s production of Aladdin delivered magic, music, mischief and a whole lot of festive cheer. Staying true to the classic storyline, this two-hour-plus show was packed with energy and charm, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and wanting more.
Written and directed by Opera House CEO Paul Kerryson, the script is wonderfully witty, full of clever jokes, cheeky innuendos and contemporary pop-culture references to keep the big kids entertained as much as the children. It’s everything a traditional panto should be – joyful, silly and irresistibly fun.
A Cast Full of Stars
Reuben Leonard shines as Aladdin, the classic hero with big dreams and a bigger heart. Alongside him, Charis Stockton brings warmth and sparkle to the role of Princess; both performers delivered impressive vocal performances.
Their blossoming love story is delightfully disrupted by the magic lamp, a powerful Genie and a villain determined to stand in their way… because in pantoland, true love never comes easy. The question is: Can Aladdin outsmart the wonderfully wicked Avajaffa – and what chaos will his meddling mother, Mother Dame Twankey, unleash in the meantime?
Max Eade is instantly likeable as Aladdin’s brother Suds, engaging the audience from the outset and proving a clear favourite with the children.
Aladdin’s mother – Mother Dame Twankey played by the hilarious James Holmes commands the stage from the word go and immediately wins over the audience with his over the top performance, outrageous costumes, constant gags and razor-sharp timing. In his 10th Buxton panto, it was clear the audience were delighted to see him return in 2025. As ever, he was brilliant all the way with quick-witted one liners and often topical jokes to get lots of laughs; Holmes is a comedic natural who had both the little and big people belly laughing throughout.
As Avajaffa, Reece Duncan relishes every boo and hiss thrown his way, embracing the role of the deliciously evil villain. Balance comes in the form of Cait O’Malley as the Spirit of the Ring, bringing elegance, sparkle and a touch of magic to the stage.
The ensemble maintains fantastic energy throughout, helping bring the story’s vibrant world to life.
Music, Magic and Panto Mayhem
From Madonna to Queen, S Club 7, Jess Glynne and Lady Gaga, the musical numbers offer something for everyone – and plenty of opportunities for younger and older audience members to sing along.
The show’s sets and special effects add extra sparkle: a towering snake transformation for Avajaffa, a magical carpet ride soaring above the auditorium, and dazzling costumes that bring the fantasy to life. Spirit of the Ring’s glittering outfit and crown stand out, while Mother Dame Twankey’s increasingly ridiculous costumes – including a bubble-spewing bra – brought lots of laughs.
As is customary, there were shout-outs for birthdays and more, adding an extra layer of fun and interaction for the crowd.
The finale brings pure festive joy as Aladdin and the Princess celebrate their wedding with a Christmas sing-along to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You, complete with falling “snow” over the audience.
The verdict
Aladdin at Buxton Opera House is everything a pantomime should be – warm, funny, magical and packed with festive spirit. It’s the perfect escape, like wrapping yourself in a favourite comfort blanket. A magical two hours and 15 mins that everyone from 8 to 80 years old can enjoy, that will leave you singing and smiling all the way home. Our only wish? That it could have lasted just a little longer…
2025–26 production
Aladdin ran at Buxton Opera House from 5 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. The following pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, is scheduled for 4 December 2026 to 2 January 2027.
For current events, visit Buxton Opera House.
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, SK17 6XN
T: 01298 72190
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