Aladdin
Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield

ALADDIN could be used as a case study on how to stage a traditional pantomime, especially in the hands of Andrew Pollard, who draws on two decades of experience by packing the script with audience participation, innuendo and slapstick — a farting panda called Ping-Pong features prominently.

Played out on a glittery stage that resembles an outsize Yangtze board game, the show sparkles with enthusiastic choreography and updated musical numbers — Widow Twankey delivers Dolly Parton's hit as Washing 9 to 5 — and there's a spot of impressive illusion as Thomas Cotran's Aladdin takes a ride on a glowing magic carpet to Egypt.

The action brims with the usual topical jokes, including the compulsory ones aimed at Brexit and puns on local reference points. But Pollard's script, his third for Lawrence Batley Theatre, distinguishes itself by updating female characters for modern times.

Jasmine (Alyce Liburd) is a people's princess who wants to dispense with her royal title, while her mother, the Empress of Peking (Krissi Bohn), is a commoner who formerly worked in a bar. The Geni-us of the Ring (Stephanie Hackett), meanwhile, is a hunch-shouldered nerd who spouts scientific theory that forms part of her PhD.

As with any pantomime, it's Robin Simpson's luridly dressed Dame and Richard Hand's evil Abanazar who steal the show. Their ability to improvise —  the latter being forced to fight with the magical lamp when he accidentally drops his sword — and galvanise the crowd ensure that this Aladdin is a festive cracker.

Runs until January 6, box office: thelbt.org.