Genie-ous Panto In Windsor? Oh Yes It Is!
Brace yourselves – panto season is here again. Oh yes it is etc etc., but should everyone over the age of eight really recoil in horror at the thought of another two hours of traditional British on-stage chaos? Oh no they shouldn’t.
Having taken our seats in the centre of the Royal Stalls at Theatre Royal Windsor – home to many a sell-out show this past year – my eight-year-old buddy for the night was markedly more excited than me as we awaited curtain-up. Squeals of delight echoed around the historic theatre, and the smell of sweets filled the air. Light-up landfill was waved maniacally by the pint-sized audience members as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of, Boom Boom, panto stalwart Basil Brush.
Having first seen Mr Brush in action when I was my daughter’s age, a buzz of excitement flowed through me. Or was it wind? Who knows, but if the atmosphere of several hundred families at a panto doesn’t move you, you’re probably dead.
As the curtain rose, the squeals began to crescendo with it. The stage swarmed with vibrantly-coloured costumed actors, and the all-singing all-dancing show began.
Cynical, me? Well yes, but no more. This production of Aladdin was full of fun, belly laughs, and actually some pretty show-stopping performances too. Panto Dame Steven Blakely stole the show as Widow Twanky with cutting ad libs and side eyes to the audience, with long-time panto partner Kevin Cruise bringing the house down as her son, and brother to Aladdin, Wishee Washy.
Both Indian Idol star Robby Khela, and newcomer Carmen Law, brought a touch of class and some impressive West End worthy performances as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, and TV trickster Paul Zenon was impressive as Abanazar (“Bless you, you’re welcome”).
2023 marks the 85th year since Aladdin was first staged at the Theatre Royal Windsor, and the show is a magical (carpet) ride of adventure and fun, with plenty of audience participation.
In-jokes jibing at the neighbouring town of Slough, and songs that will appeal to all ages, make this show accessible, and enjoyable, for the whole family. Standout moments include Kevin Cruise’s Ken song, acting royalty Anita Harris’s dour Queen, and the essential annual 12 Days of Christmas caper which saw Aladdin chucking bras into the audience and herds of children launching toilet rolls onto the stage.
Panto had felt a bit stale to this old Belle in recent years – perhaps covid killed more of the Christmas spirit than i realised – but I defy anyone not to enjoy this Genie-ous show. #Sorrynotsorry.
- Aladdin runs every day except Christmas Day at Theatre Royal Windsor until Sunday 14th January 2024. See https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/aladdin for booking information or contact the Box Office Team on 01753 853 888.
