Aylesbury Waterside Theatre always set the bar high with their panto and this year they smashed it! Aladdin was absolutely amazing. Packed with larger than life characters, lots of laughs, a sparkling set, popular songs you just can’t help singing along to and an amazing array of costumes, this is THE panto to go see. Not only that but they have their very own unique twists, I’ll not give it all away but keeping reading and I’ll give you a hint.
The much loved duo of Andy Collins and La Voix give it their all and more. This year BBC 3 Counties radio presenter Andy plays Wishee Washee. He made his entrance to George Michael’s “I’m Your Man” and had the audience clapping and engaged from the start and set the tone for an upbeat, lively panto with chart toppers peppered through the show.
International singer and comedienne, La Voix, was electric as Widow Twankey. Not only does she have an outstanding voice but she is she hilarious, with lots of saucy jokes and the ability to adlib and connect with the audience.
Every good panto needs the bad guy that you want to boo and hiss at and TV star Davood Ghadami steps into the role of Abanazar blending a dastardly laugh, flexing his muscles and a lovely blend of comedy moments with failed attempts at magic.
Princes Jasmine played by Malanie Elizabeth and Kian Zomorodian as Aladdin were the perfect panto love interests.
Most pantomimes have a few key super singers and actors but Aylesbury Waterside Theatre have gone all out with the whole cast able to standout in their own right. Jenny O’Leary who plays the Spirit of the Ring opened the show with a belting tune which is not surprising when you find out just how experienced she is with musical theatre.
We absolutely loved the wonderfully camp Genie Of The Lamp played by Liam McEvoy and the Emperor played by Vas Constantini. There’s an obvious bond not just between Andy Collins and La Voix but through the whole cast who pull off a really slick performance.
I loved the whole show but one very unique Aylesbury panto traditional highlight was the 12 Days of Christmas. You could feel the excitement build among the seasoned visitors to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s pantos. It was a first ever panto visit for my 6 year old and we kept what was coming a secret. The comedy version of this song each year will have you singing, laughing and ducking for cover. If you’ve not been, I won’t spoil it as it’s so much fun, just be ready and pack a water pistol!
Keep an eye out for the flying carpet in the foyer and practise your flying skills too!
Thank you Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, we had a fantastic evening and were thoroughly entertained from the start to curtain down.
