Simon Webbe in Aladdin
Leftlion got down with the kids at this years Theatre Royal Pantomime. And we don't mean 'Dahn with the kids' in the hip sense, oh not we don't....oh yes we do... Oh no we..., wait we're not on that bit yet.
What we mean is that we had the dubious honour of being seated right among the kiddies for this year's annual glitterfest. You learn a lot about kids at a panto. It seems there's a whole lot of things they don't like...such as the dark, snakes, water, baddies, loud noises, genies...the crying list goes on, and yet despite the fact that this Aladdin has all of those in abundance, it still comes out a winner.
Overall what it does have is exactly the right amount bad jokes and seaside humour. Let's get this out there. I want to be Biggins' best mate. Undoubtedly one of the UK's best Dames, the entertainer's laugh is infectious and I reckon you could have a right good giggle, plus he turns in a performance a million times better than the dodgy triffle that lost him Masterchef, even if his costumes might be as colourful, the showbiz vetren is rightfully the star of the show. The unsung hero is Theatre Royal Panto stalwart Ben Nickless, whose cheeky style of comedy held the show together and had the audience in stitches.
Christopher Biggins in Aladdin
Blue boy Simon Webbe makes his panto debut in the title role in stunning form, be it duetting on his own hit One Love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine or giving us a glimpse of the moves that made him runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing with his rendition of Uptown Funk. He certainly gets the award for the most magical moment of the panto as he flew across the heads of the audience on his fantastically Disney-style magic carpet.
Peppered with innuendo, local references, bouncing energy and a great dollop of panto silliness the tale of Aladdin is loosely told through a series of well-crafted sketches, elaborate costumes and an impressive set. The beautiful Theatre Royal celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and references were made to this throughout including Biggins bursting out of a massive birthday cake.
A brilliantly done panto seems a fitting end to the year. Don't miss this one, It's a magical carpet ride into Christmas
Aladdin runs until 10th January, £15 - £33, Theatre Royal.
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