‘Aladdin at the Marlowe Theatre is a spellbindingly good time’
I’ve not been to a pantomime since I was probably about eight-years-old, which as a Brit is controversial I know. They are a true staple of Christmas entertainment in this country so after hearing all the buzz around the latest production at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, I felt it was high time to be a big kid and go enjoy a proper panto.
This year’s offering at the historic theatre is Aladdin, and as a huge fan of the films (yes, both the original and the remake), I was intrigued to see just how it would be adapted with all the cheese and camp we love from these kinds of shows. As mentioned, it’s been a very long time since I’ve seen a panto, and never once have I seen one at the Marlowe, so this was a real first for me, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.
To start, the cast is absolutely brimming with talent and famous faces, including Strictly favourite Kevin Clifton, and CBeebies star Phil Gallagher, better known as Mister Maker. The Marlowe’s resident dame Ben Roddy, who this year celebrates his 1000th panto performance, continues to deliver laugh-out-loud quips and punchlines that left the entire theatre in stitches.
Meanwhile, the production also welcomes West End star Courtney Bowman who has starred in Pretty Woman, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, and many more. Alistair So takes on the role of the title character alongside Lauren Chia as Princess Jasmine, supported by Shannon Farrell playing the Genie of the Lamp and Zain Abrahams as PC World.
If you want a night full of laughter and music, you really can’t get much better than this. Featuring a brilliant variety of jokes that are sure to get lots of giggles from the kids, and some (not so subtle) innuendos and winks to the older members of the audience to make sure mum and dad get a good laugh too. Also, be sure to get your best ‘ooos’ and ‘boos’ ready for plenty of audience participation.
As is typically the case with pantos, you won’t be getting the classic songs from the Disney flicks, but instead a jukebox selection of hits both new and old that only add to the experience. Pair that with the skillful musicianship helmed by Musical Director Chris Wong and great vocal performances from the entire cast, it’s nearly impossible to sit through the entire two and a half hour runtime without tapping your feet or singing along at parts.
Energy is perhaps the word that comes to mind most when looking back at the show – Aladdin is absolutely packed full of it. From some very impressive onstage acrobatics and rhythmic dance choreography to the brilliantly funny comedy bits that had me laughing the whole way through, the entire production is a feast for the senses.
Of course, this is absolutely heightened by the amazing set and costume design, as well as the perfectly executed sound and lighting, that all come together to make you feel as though you have been totally whisked away from Kent for a couple of hours. If you’re in need of a family evening out this festive season, that has a little something for the kids and the grownups to enjoy, then this is one show I wholeheartedly recommend.
Aladdin will be running at the Marlowe Theatre until Sunday, January 7, 2024, and tickets range in price from £16 to £80. Further details can be found on the Marlowe Theatre’s website here.
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