IT MAY be set in a laundry, but there’s nothing wishy washy about The Kenton Theatre’s cracking Christmas show.
It’s programmed for fast tumble from the moment the wash begins, right up to its high octane, fizzing, glittering end.
It’s slick, it’s polished, and it’s a drum-load of fun.
No-one is safe.
Expect to be teased, sprinkled, bombarded with sweets, and deafened by the roar of 250 audience members all competing to sing louder than the other half of the auditorium.
Seriously, do take ear plugs, it’s tremendously loud.
Audience enthusiasm is matched only by the talents of the show’s excellent acting company.
The eight multi talented all singing, all dancing cast members fill the stage with impressive pop numbers, jokes and jibes.
They are 110 percent committed, and the audience love them, in this traditional rags to riches pantomime tale.
To marry the princess, Aladdin must leave the family laundry business to make his fortune.
(Coincidentally, The Kenton Theatre, is not only England’s fourth oldest working theatre and a grade II Georgian listed building, it is also said to have been used as a wash house, or communal laundry in 1852.)
So, if any of the theatre’s resident ghosts happen to be ex launderettes, they will enjoy this show immensely.
Written and directed by James Tobias, Immersion Theatre Company’s pantomime is witty and clever.
Aladdin (Luke Haywood), brother Wishee Washee (Tommy Pegg), and their mother, Widow Twankey (Will Hazell), run the Chinese laundry business.
Hoping to marry Princess Blossom (Rebecca Hazel), Aladdin falls in with evil Abanazer (Charlie Keable), but is rescued by Genie Of The Lamp (also Charlie Keable) and Spirit of the ring (Rochelle Parry) who also plays the Empress.
Ensemble performers (Ella Faulkner) and (Charlotte Day) complete the stellar cast who, like a well cared for lamp, all give highly polished performances.
This is an excellent show, with plenty of warmth, gags, magic and foam pies.
Widow Twankey is a predatory delight, Abanazer is an absolute pleasure to be insulted by, and the voices, charm and talents of the whole company make it a production well worth seeing.
Aladdin is performed at Henley’s Kenton Theatre until Thursday, December 29.
Shows are at varying times, and on different days, so people are advised to check the website before booking.
Tickets cost £23 or £25 for adults, depending on the date, and £17 or £19 for under 16s.
For tickets and information visit: kentontheatre.co.uk or call the box office on: 01491 525050
