Nine years on from his first taste of stardom in Pop Idol, Gareth Gates continues to refashion his career in a way that previously never seemed possible. Having conquered the stammer that appeared to rule out theatre work, he is now able to show that his is more than just a wonderful singing voice but is equally at home in acting as well.

His agreeable stage persona comes over in oodles as he takes on the title role in Milton Keynes Theatre’s glittering production of Aladdin. While showing us the lovestruck hero in the presence of the lovely Princess Jasmine (Nicola Brazil, with him above), Gates is able, too, to demonstrate a sure touch with comedy. His partners in this area are daft brother Wishee-Washee (the ace impressionist Paul Burling) and his lavishly caparisoned mother, Widow Twankey (John Barr, as willowy a dame as I recall ever seeing).

Scriptwriter Eric Potts supplies a traditional take on the tale, with the evil Abanazar (Adam Pearce) ultimately foiled in his bid for ownership of the magic lamp and the power this supplies in the form of its genie. Unusually, three stars take turns at this role — Anita Dobson, Russell Grant and Strictly’s Camilla Dallerup. I was delighted to see the last of these, enjoying high-kicking routines that added further glamour to this lustrous show. Could It Be Magic, Gareth sings superbly at the close of the first half. It certainly could — and it’s magic not to be missed.

Until January 15. 0844 871 7652 (www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes)