TAKE your average Christmas panto. Minus the dame, most of the dodgy innuendo and the constant it's behind you references. Add several million Swarovski crystals, a few tonnes of glitter and a budget that only Disney can muster.

Now you're close to imagining the spectacle that is their latest musical, Aladdin, which opened in the West End this summer and is now booking into 2017 at the Prince Edward Theatre.

This is the opulent stage version of the 1992 film, which brought Aladdin and Princess Jasmine to a whole new generation who were yet to see them appearing in a puff of smoke at their local theatre at Christmas.

But, for all the sequins and splendour, a veritable orgy of bling, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was sitting through a panto in disguise - in September.

There's thankfully no audience participation, but there's plenty of slapstick from Aladdin's food-obsessed sidekicks and the baddies.

Poor Aladdin (the likeable Dean John-Wilson) falls in love with Princess Jasmine (talented ex-Sugababe Jade Ewen makes a fiery 21st Century princess).

With the help of a magic lamp and a genie (the brilliantly genial Trevor Dion Nicholas, the only import from the Broadway version, is the star of the show), he outwits the baddies (Don Gallagher's cackling Jafar and his pint-sized accomplice Iago, played in sinister style by Peter Howe) to prove that love conquers all.

So that's a magical creation, two ridiculous villains and a feelgood royal wedding to finish up. It's ticking all the panto boxes so far.

Of course the succession of cheesy pop favourites beloved by festive fare are replaced by an original score, but that has mixed success. The big showstopper A Whole New World is completely upstaged by the leads taking to the skies on an incredible magic carpet ride through the stars.

The Genie's big number Friend Like Me is an infectious treat, but others numbers are instantly forgettable.

The sets and costumes are truly spectacular - think a secret cave dripping from top to toe in pure gold which is so bright that you almost have to look away and you are nearly there.

But, for me, Aladdin wasn't everything I would wish for from a big West End musical.

LORELEI REDDIN

Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre is booking into 2017. For full details, visit aladdinthemusical.co.uk