Aladdin

Lambert Puppet Theatre, Dublin

***

There isn't a single nod to Disney in this refreshingly traditional take on One Thousand and One Nights, headed by its most memorable character, Aladdin. The eponymous hero, the son of a washerwoman, is really a prince in disguise. A serendipitous meeting with a princess who is taking a detour through the market propels him closer to his true fate, while a strange mission commanded by a sorcerer posing as his uncle confirms his illustrious future. He has to do battle with the wicked magician first, of course, but luckily he has a genie to help him. The simple sets and old-fashioned puppetry are part of the charm of the Lambert Puppet Theatre. Audience members of a certain vintage will even recognise Mr Crow, who serves as compere and teases children with the same, incorrect version of Humpty Dumpty he has been using for years. The script is rudimentary, and there are fewer musical numbers than usual, but there is ample room for audience interaction. Aladdin offers a lovely antidote to the commercial pop-culture that dominates children's entertainment at this time of year, and would make for a great first outing to the theatre for children who might be overwhelmed by larger pantomimes.

• Until Jan 31