After 18 years as the Lyceum’s panto dame, Damian Williams certainly knows his audience. His appearance on stage is always the most anticipated and in this year’s panto, once again brought to the city by Evolution Productions and written by Paul Hendy, he excels. And sometimes it’s not what he says, sometimes his facial expressions are enough to bring about fits of laughter – just ask Kevin Clifton, who was caught out on more than a few occasions in this extravagant retelling of Aladdin. 

But that’s what makes panto.

Making his debut in Sheffield, Kevin, who has formed a stage career after leaving Strictly, was superb, hamming it up just enough as villain Ivan Tochacha. Of course there were plenty of Strictly references and opportunities for him to show off his dance skills but it all added to a show, which was as good as ever. 

The story follows ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ Aladdin (Sario Solomon) and his quest to marry Princess Jasmine (Lauren Chia), aided along the way by his brother Charlie (Joey Wilby), his mum Dame Dolly (Damian Williams), PC World (George Akid) and the Spirit of the Ring (CBeebies’ Evie Pickerill). 

There’s a joke shop on t’Moor (House of Pun), pyramids in Attercliffe, a cave of jewels and, of course, a magic lamp, which introduces Mr G, also known as the Genie (Elliot Broadfoot). Throw in some elephants, mummies and a magic carpet ride that needs to be seen to be believed and you’ve got the recipe for another funny, warm and enjoyable panto. 

Music again plays a central role – predictably there’s a rendition of ‘Golden’ by the K-Pop Demon Hunters – used most notably in a scene that went down so well last year. This ‘2.0 version’ again involved Dame Dolly and an invention that allowed you to express your innermost thoughts as song lyrics, featuring everything from Adele and Eurythmics to Human League and Beastie Boys.

There were also great renditions of Call Me Al and local favourite, Common People by Pulp, which closed the two-hourish show. 

But everything comes back to Damian, who ties everything together, whether that’s through his jokes, his outfits or his almost yearly quest to find a husband – big props to this year’s ‘victim’ who was a fantastic sport and even joined the team on stage.

The Lyceum has already confirmed next year’s panto, which will be Cinderella. Damian will once again be returning – and this time he’s bringing his sister! Make sure you get your tickets early, you won’t want to miss it.

Aladdin is at the Lyceum until 4 January. Click here for ticket details.