Reviewed by Katy Hart
WOW!!! Aladdin was without a doubt the BEST pantomime I have ever been to see. Last evening, I came with my family to the press performance of Aladdin at the Bristol Hippodrome. The programme says “Everything you could wish for in a panto”, I’d add to this by saying “and SO SO much more”.
There was the usual buzz of excitement as the theatre filled with lots of families, and youth groups when suddenly there was a flash of light and a ‘bang’ and the panto commenced.
The opening scene is set in an Egyptian Temple and introduces the villain ‘Abanazar’ played by Marti Pellow with the use of a giant animatronic. Whilst this may have startled some of the younger members of the audience because of its enormity it was so incredibly and technically amazing.
In the next scene we were transported to Old Peking and we were introduced to Widow Twankey (David Robbins) and Aladdin (Alexis Gerred), Princess Jasmine (Hayley Tamaddon) and Aladdin’s brother Wishes Washee played by the utterly brilliant Joe Pasquale. I am a little embarrassed to confess that I was a little apprehensive about watching Joe as I was concerned he wouldn’t be very funny on stage and may even be rather annoying, however I could not have been more wrong. He absolutely stole the show with his wit and humour. He is an exceptionally talented man with the utmost impeccable timing that makes him possibly the funniest man I have ever seen.
The panto really does include everything you could possibly wish for in a panto – there was music, dancing, humour in bucketfuls, and a storyline based around Aladdin. There were pyrotechnics, a magical flying carpet and special effects galore, including my first ever panto experience of 3D imagery and glasses.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been to a theatrical performance of any type where I have laughed so much. The laughter literally rang out through the whole theatre last evening and as we went to the interval everyone was excitedly chatting about how fantastic the evening was. The second act did not disappoint.
The wardrobe department excelled with their costumes – Widow Twankey was not only fantastic as a performer, but he/she looked incredible. As did indeed Aladdin and Princess Jasmine with their beautiful costumes.
The musicians were so professional – not always easy playing live when there is so much happening on stage and yet they were perfect.
The whole cast and creative team should be proud of their performance, I cannot quite express how incredible it was.
We had the most fantastic family entertainment last evening – my children are aged 11, 13 and 18 all thoroughly enjoyed it. On our drive home they could not stop laughing as they recalled so many of the jokes and antics. I would absolutely recommend this panto to everyone, there is something for all ages and it was good, family fun at its best. By far the best evening we’ve shared as a family all year.
I would add as a note, that with the roadworks that seem to have overtaken most of the city of Bristol, it was quite a difficult journey in (we came via the M32), however once in the city we found traffic moving easily. Do not allow this to put you off, just make sure you allow plenty of time to make your journey. We parked easily at the Millennium Car Park and had just a short walk to the theatre.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £12 to £52.50 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Aladdin is at the Bristol Hippodrome from 9 December 2017 to 7 January 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/bristol or call the box office on 0844 871 3012.
Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ | 0844 871 3012
