Christmas comes to Wolverhampton in a burst of colour, dance and music with the Grand Theatre’s pantomime Aladdin.

Produced by the theatre and written and directed by Will Brenton, the show is very much grounded in the Black Country. There are jokes about posh people in Tettenhall, the long awaited re-opening of the Civic Hall and even a song naming the majority of Wolverhampton’s districts.

And the theatre, whose annual pantomimes are family traditions across the city, knows exactly what its audiences like. There are all the old ‘oh yes it is’ and ‘it’s behind you jokes’, the cast (and some of the front rows) get a little wet, the Dame is outrageous – it is traditional pantomime and family fun.

Much of the comedy comes in the shape of Tam Ryan’s Wishee Washee, who plays up to the audience, counts the gags and ad-libs to his heart’s content. Ian Adams is a wonderful Widow Twanky – cheeky and loveable, he also has some amazing costumes, look out for the washing machine hat and the panda bear dress.

Ben Cajee’s Aladdin risks being overshadowed by the strength of these characters but his constant chirpiness and determination to do good wherever he can wins the heart of the audience. And to ensure a bit of woman power in the panto, Sofie Anné’s Jasmine is a butt-kicking feminist, happy to fall in love but only with a man her equal.

Michael Greco would benefit from ramping up the evil and sinister side of the baddie Abanazar. He has the lines but somehow doesn’t feel quite menacing enough. While Zoe Birkett holds the stage as a Spirit of the Ring packed with personality and, boy, can she belt out a number.

Racky Plews’ choreography makes much of quite a small dance cast as they and the main characters sing a host of slightly re-written songs including Domino, Defying Gravity, Let Me Entertain You and Let’s Go Crazy.

Over recent years, the Grand has been imaginative in the way it uses digital and animation within its panto sets and this continues with some stunning backdrops created by Keyframe studios.

Another thumbs up goes to the theatre for including a ‘photo moment’ at the end of the show so everyone can take their pictures and tick their social media moments without annoying other audience members throughout the show.

Aladdin continues the Grand’s tradition of giving local audiences a family show filled with laughter and joy - it is a classic panto, oh yes it is.

Four stars

Reviewed by Diane Parkes at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Tuesday 6 December. Aladdin continues to show at the venue until Sat 7 January.