Review: Arabian Nights, Bristol Old Vic – ‘A dynamic, brilliantly performed and visually stunning show’

“Let me tell you a story.”

There is something special about taking the family to the theatre over Christmas, a shared seasonal tradition that is loved by all ages.

This year’s festive production at Bristol Old Vic is a musical version of Arabian Nights, a modern retelling of the central story from One Thousand and One Nights – a collection of stories originally written down in Arabic and collected over hundreds of years from the 8th century (think Aladdin, Ali Baba and Sinbad the sailor).

Nicholas Karimi (the King) and Yasemin Özdemir (Schere)

In this retelling of the tale, the kingdom is ruled by a cruel, heartbroken king, who takes a new wife every night and then after their wedding night, throws them into a dungeon before taking his next bride.

His subjects are poor and hungry but can do nothing to prevent their daughters from being taken and used until Schere, a brave young fisherman’s daughter decides to put an end to it. She offers herself as the king’s next wife and plans to use the power of storytelling to keep him from throwing her into the dungeons.

Arabian Nights company

Yasemin Ozdemir puts in a wonderful performance as Schere, the storytelling heroine, who distracts the king every night with her fantastical and captivating tales. The show has just the right balance between songs and dialogue, not making this a full musical, but by enhancing the production with well-performed musical numbers.

Nicholas Karimi is equally brilliant as the King, the main comic character of the show. In a departure from the original tale, here he is portrayed less as a tyrant, but more as a selfish and ignorant man-child with no idea of the outside world and what effect he has upon it.

Arabian Nights company

Bristol Old Vic is one of the most beautiful theatres in the country, and the setting is perfectly used to frame the story; the stunning stage and lighting design eliciting a sense of an Arab mythical kingdom.

Samuel Wilde’s elegant puppetry is another integral part of the show, adding a magical element to the storytelling. The vibrant colours and intricate details of the costumes, coupled with the dynamic and imaginative set, provide a visual feast that complement the richness of the narrative.

Saikat Ahamed (magical horse & Maruf)

This interpretation of Arabian Nights is the creation of writer Sonali Bhattacharyya and director Blanche McIntyre, who have attempted to give the story a modern twist by making all of the central heroes of the story female.

While this production is conscious not to be seen as a Christmas show, it certainly isn’t a panto either. Its central theme of families and friends coming together to overcome adversity makes for a warming and inclusive winter’s tale that will entertain audiences of all generations, and leave them with a heartening glow.

Sara Diab (Dina)

Arabian Nights (age recommendation 7+) is at Bristol Old Vic from November 23-January 6 at 7pm, with some additional matinee shows (times vary). Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.

All photos: Ellie Kurttz

Read more: ‘Arabian Nights’ at Bristol Old Vic: the festive show for everyone

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: