Aladdin

Synopsis

The Pantomime story of Aladdin and the magic lamp. Widow Twankey, her no-good son Wishee Washee and the Chinese laundry usually provide the slapstick.

Our Review:

Michael Coveney - 13 December 2012

Inside the vastness of the O2 Centre there is a new temporary theatre structure seating (not very comfortably) 1,900 people marking the return to pantoland of Lily Savage, Paul O'Grady's scabrous Scouse alter ego with a basilisk stare and a blonde hairstyle higher than Julie Goodyear’s and Barbara Windsor’s rolled into one.

The joy of pantomime usually starts with the suitability of the theatre, whether it is Victorian plush and gilt or functional arts centre intimate. This Aladdin tries hard to create the appropriate seasonal atmosphere – there’s a huge shiny proscenium in Old Peking and a stage full of athletic, limber dancers – but it’s an uphill struggle.

And Lily’s Widow Twankey seems slightly off-colour, as though Paul O’Grady has lost interest in the role. She’s certainly not putting herself out, gliding gloriously through some spectacular costume changes -  a black and white imperial fur Russian out...

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Latest User Review

Topvillafan - 30 December 2012:

One of worst panto I've seen and certainly expect much more in london. A very lazy show, lily savage had no rapport with audience and seemed uninterested. Theatre was too hit and noise of motor of heating drowned out songs. A shame...

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