Review - Aladdin at the Empire Theatre

"I think it's quite absurd but I love being a Liver bird" - the parting shot to an enraptured Liverpool crowd from truly the one and only Pamela Anderson.

Yes, the busty blonde beauty only emerges from the wings for a combined total of 15 minutes, but it's exactly who we all went to catch a glimpse of.

Reminiscent of her Baywatch days in a sparkly red swimsuit, 'Pammy' looked radiant as she dropped from the heavens to take up her role as the genie of the lamp.

Anderson was guilty of rushing her lines on a couple of occasions making her short stint on the Empire boards inaudible - but she smiled vivaciously as she strutted across the stage.

This was a woman enjoying herself and you could see why.

Surrounded by a vastly experienced cast of panto legends - the 43-year-old had to deal with a shower of obvious gags.

But with every panto some fall on deaf ears, while the rest flow into the consciousness to convert the straight face into a rye smile.

The grandaddy of pantomime and former family fortunes host Les Dennis was exemplary as Wishee Washee. As per usual the glue that holds the production together. Truly a laugh a minute with the local lad.

He was even selected to stage a customary audience participation inviting children onto the stage for a quick Q & A - one of whom, little five-year-old Harrison, entertained the crowd with aplomb to the delight of the giddy followers.

Sean Kearns as Widow Twankey and Dennis - an odd couple without doubt - provided the backbone of a portentous show.

A particular highlight coming in the form of an improvised ballet routine, which prompted the biggest laughs of the night.

Worthy opponent Mark Moraghan (Abanazar), Mark Mulcahey as Aladdin and Dani Rayner as majestic Princess Jasmine made up the rest in a truly effusive panto.

8/10

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