Review of Aladdin in Windsor (From Bucks Free Press)

Review of Aladdin in Windsor

3:43pm Thursday 17th December 2009

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WHEN I told my friend Amber I was going to see Aladdin  at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, she wanted to come because two of our favourite actors were in it from television, writes Caitlin Thomas, aged nine and three quarters.

I think that's what makes this pantomime so good, it has stars from television in it.

I have seen three pantomimes at Windsor but this definitely is my favourite so far. I laughed at some great jokes and shouted a lot at the stage when the actors wanted us to.

We sang a lot as well because most of the songs are taken from other well known musicals like Wicked, when Aladdin sings while on his flying carpet or from High School Musical.

The two actors I know is Poppy Jhakra from Coronation Street who plays Princess Jasmine and Steven Blakely from Heartbeat who plays Wishee Washee.

Both were excellent but Wishee Washee was so funny.

Aladdin, played by Samantha Barks who was TV’s ‘I’d Do Anything, is the story of a poor boy who falls in love with Princess Jasmine. But he, brother, Wishee Washee and mum Widow Twankey played by long-standing Dame Michael Sharvell-Martin can only dream of becoming rich.

When Princess Jasmine’s mother, Empress Ah Choo, reads a proclamation that her daughter will be married to the most eligible Prince, Aladdin fears the worst.

But, because an evil sorcerer, Abanazar, played by 60s singing sensation and former Joseph, Jess Conrad is trying to find a magic lamp, Aladdin’s luck changes.

Aladdin is tricked by Abanazer into fining the lamp for him in a hidden cave but instead of handing it over release a genie from the lamp who gives him all the wealth he needs to marry Jasmine.

Jasmine is kidnapped but eventually rescued by Aladdin and all ends happily.

Dad tells me this is one of the most popular and best loved pantos.

It certainly had great jokes and a lot of fun with sweets being thrown into the audience and children being taken on to stage to sing along.

It really is a great treat for us children but dad liked Wendy Craig who plays Ah Choo and Jess Conrad’s bit near the end where he sings a lot of what dad calls the old 60s numbers, so I guess there’s something for everyone.

But I really liked Toby Hull and Emu who were the policeman and were really great with the kids in the audience.

The theatre was full and I really had a great time. It was just a great night out with dad and is certainly a brilliant way to start Christmas. I want to go again. Are you listening dad?

Caitlin and Paul Thomas Aladdin runs at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, until Sunday, January 10. Box Office: 01753 953888.

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