Commuters affected by the ongoing local train strike would certainly have benefited from the presence of Aladdin’s magic carpet at the close of the panto’s first act, as it swooshed most efficiently across the New Victoria’s spacious auditorium with aplomb.
OUR VERDICT
Set in Old Peking with lots of lovely references to Woking (and a lovely sung homage from David Phipps-Davis’ Widow Twanky on the delights of Chinese food), and festive fare starring likeable comedian Bobby Davro is always bound to be oozing bonhomie and so it proves here, his brand of cheeky chappy investing the character of Wishee Washee with warmth and chirpy zest, much to the audience’s palpable delight.
Bobby Davro's commitment is unmistakable.
His feat of reciting countless countries at speed to the music of the Can-Can is impressive, his audience singalong whilst wearing a kangaroo suit less so (its sheer size physically overwhelming him at times) but he gamely gives every routine his absolute all, whether it’s physical comedy, impressions or sheer, unmitigated silliness running amok.
Adding his own helping of panache to proceedings is former Strictly star Brendan Cole who, quite clearly, is also having a whale of a time and treating audiences to some nifty footwork too as he sizzles on stage as the Spirit of the Ring. His dance-off with Davro is pure craziness.
Panto stands or falls often on the camaraderie displayed on-stage and it’s clear the cast (including ventriloquist Dawson Chance) are really enjoying themselves, energy that proves infectious, even raucous at times with countless moments of audience participation.
Davis is, in his/her own words impressively “more swanky than manky” as the ubiquitous panto dame, Pearce Barron and CBBC star Mischa Eckersley are endearing enough as Aladdin and his true love Princess Jasmine – the latter’s heroics enhancing the spectre of Girl Power as she, rather than Aladdin, defeats baddie Abanazar.
There’s a lovely cameo too from a lovelorn Peking Panda which almost steals the show and as the aforementioned villain of the piece, Jonny Fines is on great form as the sneaky, avaricious Abanazar trying to thwart Aladdin’s every move. A great slice of seasonal fun.
Until 5 January 2020 (book here)
