When Lydia Jones steps out on stage, it is impossible not to sit up and pay attention. With natural charisma in abundance, and an infectious energy, she was the perfect choice to lead the Sunday evening cast of Theatretrain’s Aladdin at Shanklin Theatre.

Complemented wonderfully by Ember Sunnucks as the flamboyant Widow Twankey and Ruby Clarke as a lovable Wishee-Washee, Lydia and her castmates wove a high-energy tale of magic, love and friendship for a delighted audience.

Playing a pantomime animal is not an easy task, but Naeve Hunter as Nobby the Panda was brilliant, and quickly became a clear favourite with the younger audience members.

Carys Broome as Princess Jasmine demonstrated repeatedly a beautiful singing voice that would have put her at home in any Disney line-up. Livie-Mai Wallace as Empress of China was suitably sassy, while Tabatha Reader and Mary Sheath - scooters in tow - worked well with her as the silly comedy duo, Sergeant Ping and PC Pong.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Lilly Valvona’s all-singing, all-dancing finale to Act 1 as Genie of the Lamp with Aladdin and the ensemble was excellent, while Lyla Hunter’s rendition of Holly Valance’s ‘Kiss Kiss’ as the Genie of the Ring, alongside Twankey and a troupe of dancers, was one of the highlights of Act 2.

Every pantomime needs a good villain, and Jay Sangha as Abanazer strode into the breach, growing in confidence with each entrance and bouncing particularly well off Twankey and Aladdin.

No pantomime is complete without a strong ensemble, and Theatretrain had an abundance of enthusiastic, high-energy performers in their ranks to deliver the goods.

With all the traditional panto staples and plenty of silliness along the way, Aladdin was an enjoyable start to this writer’s panto season.