A star-studded, modernised television pantomime featuring a host of contemporary British entertainers.
In this version of the classic tale, the lowly Aladdin (Ed Byrne) falls for the beautiful Princess (Patsy Kensit), who is weary of her cloistered life under her father, the Emperor (Griff Rhys Jones). The wicked Abanazer (Martin Clunes) tricks Aladdin into retrieving a magic lamp from a dangerous cave, but Aladdin becomes its master instead. With the help of the flamboyant Genie of the Lamp (Julian Clary) and the cynical Spirit of the Ring (Paul Merton), Aladdin must transform himself into a prince to win the princess’s hand and defeat Abanazer’s scheme to seize power. The traditional pantomime dame, Widow Twankey, is played by John Savident.
This production was a key part of ITV’s blockbuster Christmas schedule for the turn of the millennium. Scripted by Men Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye, the teleplay abandoned theatrical convention for a knowing, post-modern tone, packed with topical gags and innuendo aimed at a family audience. The programme’s main attraction was its cast, a formidable assembly of British television talent from the period. It mixed popular comedians, soap opera stars, and dramatic actors, with the casting of Julian Clary as the Genie perfectly encapsulating the pantomime’s cheeky and irreverent spirit. The inclusion of a musical performance from pop group S Club 7 firmly anchored the production in its era.
Broadcast: ITV – LWT, 1 Episode, 25 December 2000
Written by: Simon Nye
Music by: Philip Pope
Executive Producer: Nigel Lythgoe
Producer: Lisa Clark
Director: Geoff Posner
Main Cast: Ed Byrne (Aladdin), Martin Clunes (Abanazer), Julian Clary (Genie of the Lamp), Paul Merton (Spirit of the Ring), Patsy Kensit (Princess), John Savident (Widow Twankey), Griff Rhys Jones (Emperor), Ralf Little (Wishee Washee), Meera Syal (High Priestess), Billy Murray (Police Chief), Lisa Riley (Handmaiden), Leslie Phillips (Older Prince), S Club 7 (Themselves)
