Going to see Aladdin was a genie-us idea (From Watford Observer)

Going to see Aladdin was a genie-us idea

8:18pm Thursday 16th December 2010 in News By Phil Mizner

It’s panto season!

“Oh no it isn’t” I hear you cry rather predictably, but yes it is.

Last weekend I went with my (better) half to the Watford Palace Theatre where we saw the production of “Aladdin” that was being shown there. The performance was just over two hours long and it brought together a whole variety of people who made up the audience.

From parents with young children, (the sort which made the heart of every post natal and broody woman melt uncontrollably) parents with slightly older children, and just couples looking for some entertainment.

The performance was a little over two hours long with an interval half way through. At the front between the audience and the stage were the musicians providing the music, and on the stage was a fantastically colourful and imaginative set design.

The script was very well written, because beneath the over the top acting and obviously pantomime storylines were subtle but noticeable adult jokes which (I hope) only the adults understood.

All of the actors and actresses shone in their own way and made the role their own. My personal favourite was the widow washer, who was a man dressed up in drag. Aside from the outrageous over the top yet highly amusing costumes he wore, almost every line was a gift delivered perfectly whether it was a double entendre or just a string of terrible but gut bursting puns, the actor who played this role excelled himself.

All in all it was a most enjoyable performance, and well worth seeing if you can catch it in time.