The pantomime at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre this year is Aladdin and we’ve been to review it during opening week to see what it’s like. This is actually the first time I’ve been to a panto at the Waterside Theatre, although we’ve been to see loads of other things there. Aylesbury favourites La Voix and Andy Collins are back for their 1,000th year (just kidding, but I do think there is no Aylesbury Waterside Theatre panto unless those two are in it!). They’re also joined by Davood Ghadami of Eastenders and Holby City fame. The titular character doesn’t actually appear on any of the promo material, but he’s played by Kian Zomoeodian. At one point La Voix points out her “children” are an Irish man and someone who is 40 years older, but it’s panto so anything goes!
It’s definitely worth giving Jenny O’Leary a shout out as the Spirit of the Ring. “Dressed like a Quality Street” most of the time, wowzers she can belt out a song. She’s also funny and I genuinely don’t know how anyone can have that much energy for that long!
We were invited to the press night of Aladdin by Aylesbury Waterside Theatre in order to write this review, but they didn’t see the contents prior to publication and had no input into its contents.
What’s the show like?
It’s mostly the Aladdin story (the original one, not the Disney one) but with their own spin on it. The kids were very confused why it was set in China when they’re so used to the film version – but that’s actually where the panto one is set. Yes, I did Google it to check. I’m fairly sure the original didn’t have Harry Styles in it though.
It’s bright, and funny and packed full of songs. Most of them are pop songs you already know so can sing along. There’s also the famous “Bra that was made to fit three” version of the twelve days of Christmas. It’s chaos, but hilarious.
The show we saw to do this review of Aladdin at the Waterside Theatre Aylesbury was right at the beginning of its run so there was still the odd little hiccup. They were all so professional about it. But you could also tell that everyone, Andy and La Voix in particular, was there to have fun whilst doing this. It’s panto. If you can’t laugh at yourself wearing a dress covered in marigold gloves then when can you??
Anything else I should know?
If you’re in the stalls (particularly the first half section) then expect to get wet during the waterpistol fight. And you’re allowed to take your own. At one point Andy Collins and a grown man were having a shoot out with massive super soakers!!!
It’s panto so it’s full of double entendres and innuendo. It was all funny (often actually hilarious for the adults) and topical “More boos than a Downing Street party”. Pretty much all of that went over Smallest Child’s head. There were a few things that some parents might find a bit close to the wire though; Aladdin: “Psst”, Jasmin: “You bet I am”. Or Andy Collins with a lot of stuffing down very tight trousers and a large pink, long balloon in his hand. Don’t get me wrong, I spent the whole scene laughing so hard I nearly cried, but I know some parents, with children of certain ages, might like to know it’s coming. There were a few times when the boys laughed and I really wished they hadn’t got the joke, but that’s 10 & 12 year old boys for you.
How long is the show?
The one thing I couldn’t find out before we went is how long is the run time Aladdin at Waterside Theatre Aylesbury? Turns out it’s three hours, including the interval. We did start a little bit late and I suspect the 12 days of Christmas song went on slightly longer than planned so maybe shave 15 minutes off if you’re lucky.
Is there an interval?
Yes there is
Can you hire booster seats for the kids?
Yes, they’re £1 per seat. You can get them from the kiosk or the bar.
Our Aladdin at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre review
It’s so good. We all had a good laugh; from the 5 year old right up to the 12 year old. That’s not always easy with such a wide age range! The fact that it kept Smallest Child entertained despite being so late says a lot. The cast are great, the set is amazing. It’s Snow White next year – Can’t wait to see what they do with it!
Admission cost
Aladdin at Aylesbury Waterside Theater is running until 2nd January 2023. Tickets start at £13 and must be pre-booked via their website (affiliate link)
Parking / How to get there
Parking – Use town centre car parks
Address – Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG
Toilets
On-site, including baby change
Food
Conscession stand and bar
What else is on this Christmas?
For all my other reviews of Christmas family days out, events and the what’s on guides for Bucks, Beds, Oxon & Herts have a look at the Christmas pages.
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Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.
You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
