Jo Brand & Matthew Kelly
Aladdin
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 9th December 2013
Often referred to as London's must-see pantomime and known for casting big names, the New Wimbledon Theatre's panto is bigger and better than ever this year. Comedienne Jo Brand makes her pantomime debut in this year's show, at times she looks a little lost but Jo is also in her element and is secretly having the time of her life.
The production also stars established West End favourites Oliver Thornton and David Bedella who both give strong performances in the title role and as Abanazar. Both get into the pantomime spirit and have the audience cheering and booing along in all the right places.
Flawless raise the pantomime bar to a whole new level. The former Britain's Got Talent finalists play Peking Police Force which is essentially a good excuse for a dance-off every now and again. The crowd went wild each time they stepped foot on stage, I was truly blown away by their captivating, imaginative and inventive choreography.
Jo Brand had the entire audience in stitches before she even said her first line, she was clearly born to be a pantomime star! She is a natural! Of course Jo manages to throw in one or two subtle (and not so subtle) jokes for the parents, she even managed to get away with referencing a threesome in one scene! Matthew Kelly is unrecognisable as Widow Twanky. His costumes are utterly outrageous and just as you think they can't get any bigger... they do.
Like all pantos, Aladdin is performed with a touch of spontaneity and features several slightly desperate jokes as well as some ridiculous versions of pop songs. It's fantastic fun and is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. What more could you possibly wish for?!
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Aladdin runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 12th January 2014.
Click here for more info and tickets.
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