It is 2025, it is Christmas time, and that means it is pantomime season. Birdy and I headed out to Morningside to catch the Edinburgh People’s Theatre production of Sinbad the Sailor.
This year, the company is celebrating its 82nd year with a script by Alan P Frayn. It promises a modern twist on the classic Arabian Nights tale, mixing adventure with the expected festive cheer.
A Comfortable Voyage
We caught the show at the Church Hill Theatre, a venue that deserves special mention. It isn’t huge, but it is certainly big enough to feel like an event while remaining comfortable. I had a perfect view of the large stage and absolutely no issues sitting through the entire show in comfort.
It is a fantastic theatre, with good lighting, sound, and hospitality. Sinbad is long enough to have an intermission, and that brought snacks, drinks, and ice cream. The venue’s pleasantness reminded me why supporting indie theatre is so vital.
Visually, the production punched above its weight. There were several stage changes, curtain drops, and plenty of clever lighting effects. A standout sequence involved the underwater scenes; the use of UV lights and umbrellas to create glowing jellyfish was particularly clever. The children in the audience clearly appreciated how the fish were made to ‘swim’ across the stage.
Traditional Tomfoolery
The story picks up with Sinbad returning for good, only to be thrust into an eighth and final voyage. The plot involves the disappearance of the Persian Pearl of Peace and a mission to rescue the Caliph’s daughter, Princess Miranda.
This framework allows for plenty of traditional panto elements. We had Arabian Nights versions of Fairy Godmothers, a dominant wedding subplot, and plenty of “Oh yes it is!” and “It’s behind you!” refrains.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the solo singing. However, the group numbers were still by far my favourite, injecting much-needed energy and life into the plot. The song choices ranged from banked classics to contemporary chart-toppers, and yes, Baby Shark made an appearance.
There is plenty of adult humour here, too. Some of it hides in plain sight, intended to sail safely over the heads of the little ones. However, if you have youngsters on the cusp of understanding double entendres or 60s-style lewdness, it is worth keeping in mind.
Overall
The production features a moment when performers invite youngsters up from their seats to sing. While I found it a potentially cringe-inducing moment (working with kids live is always a high-wire act), it resulted in memorable photos for the families involved.
This isn’t a mega-budget city centre blockbuster, but it is certainly the next tier down. It feels practised and far removed from an am-dram production that barely holds together. The Edinburgh People’s Theatre has delivered a show that kept a theatre full of children seated and entertained.
If you think your kids can cope with the monsters and the noise, they will likely enjoy this solid, festive offering. Tickets are £12 to £15.
Explore More On Edinburgh Reviews
Searching for related content…
Review: Sinbad the Sailor
Edinburgh People’s Theatre returns for its 82nd year with a UV-lit, family-friendly production of Alan P Frayn’s Sinbad the Sailor.
Summary
A traditional pantomime adventure at Church Hill Theatre featuring an eighth voyage to rescue Princess Miranda, complete with glowing jellyfish and Baby Shark.
Related