In January 2023, Wexford Pantomime Society finally brought the much-loved tale of Aladdin to the stage, having tried and failed for the previous two years due to Covid (Boo!!). It finally came to life in 2023 (and in the National Opera House no less), the group having last produced it in 2008. With a few playful name changes and the addition of some extra characters, audiences enjoyed a lively mix of comedy, romance, and magic in true Wexford style.

The story followed Aladdin—known to friends as “Al”—and his sidekick Bish Bosh, who spent their days dodging his sisters Wishy and Washy and escaping work in his mother Widow Twankey’s laundrette. Aladdin’s life changed forever when he met Princess Jasmine, who had run away from the palace with her best friend So Shy. The Sultan, her father, had grand plans for her to marry a prince, but Aladdin was no prince — at least not yet.

Enter the scheming Abanazar and his accomplice Abdul, who tricked Aladdin into entering the Cave of Wonders to retrieve a magical lamp. Inside, Al discovered Omar, the Genie of the Lamp, who could grant three wishes. With a little extra help from Nahla, the Slave of the Ring, Aladdin suddenly found himself transformed into a prince, ready to win Jasmine’s heart.

But the adventure was far from over. Abanazar, unwilling to let Aladdin claim his happy ending, stole the lamp and had Omar banish Aladdin and his friends to the frozen wilderness of Antarctica. With the princess at risk of being forced to marry Abanazar, hope seemed lost—until Bish Bosh remembered the enchanted ring. Thanks to Nahla’s magic, good ultimately triumphed over evil.

Filled with colourful characters, comic twists, songs, laughter and plenty of magic, Aladdin in 2023 proved a spectacular pantomime that delighted Wexford audiences and secured its place in the Society’s proud history.

Photography by Paula Malone Carty