Aladdin At Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review

Reviewed by Sarah Rose

Getting to the venue, I travelled by car.  Once close to the venue it is well signposted.  There is plenty of parking available but this isn’t free but reasonably priced: up to 2 hours £2.50 and 3 to 4 hours £3.50 but parking is free after 9pm.  Once parked it’s a 2 minute walk to the venue.  As I stepped into the venue, staff were there to greet me at the door.  Be ready with your tickets as this is where they are scanned for the show.  Once in it’s bright and airy and very welcoming.  There are plenty of food and drink kiosks so no real queues.  The adult’s bar is separate.  Drinks and food are a little pricey but this is to be expected with this beautiful venue.  There are lots of staff about to help with any problems and they are all very helpful and friendly. Before taking our seat we went to the toilet facilities.  Toilets are a reasonable standard and plenty of them so never a queue. Entering the theatre area itself, wow what an amazing place it’s beautiful.  It was wonderful to see the whole theatre full with families and all the children that are now able to finally see a Christmas panto.

When the panto started they interacted with the audience and the local mayor in the front row.  Jokes were coming thick and fast from the start.  I didn’t stop laughing through the whole performance.  My favourite bit has got to be Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee doing ballet.  I was crying with laughter.  So many talented people performing including the children who were amazing.

The detail of the background scene and effects, blow me u can see how much work and planning had gone into it all. I really loved the modern twist that had gone into the songs and music for the show.  The costumes that the actors was wearing were traditional but bright and sparkling and it made me go back to my memories of childhood watching panto.  All the characters were amazing but my favourite has always got to be Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee who where played by La Voix and Andy Collins.  Abanazar was played by Davood Ghadami who has been in TV shows EastEnders and Holby city to name some.  Spirit of the ring, just wow what an amazing voice played by Jenny O’Leary and princess Jasmine voice and looks of a princess played by Melanie Elizabeth.  I could go on and on going through everyone that appeared on the stage just perfect.

Just really enjoyed the whole performance and loved the way the audience was included with even props being thrown into the crowd. Amazing.  I Really Recommend the show it a MUST SEE.  Just a hint, if your coming with your children bring a water pistol.

Rating:

Tickets start at £13 and last performance is 2nd January

The link for tickets is https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/aladdin/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/calendar/2022-12-07