Review: Aladdin at Theatre Royal Windsor - 'This panto is a classic'

The man sitting in front of me remarked 'absolutely seamless' to his neighbour as the curtain fell and whilst not seamless (that’s all part of the fun, right?) I agree, this panto is a classic.

The action didn’t stop and we were hit with wave after wave of fun, innuendo, song, dance, flame throwing, beach balls, sweets, loo rolls, water – and of course the bra.

For those of you who have never visited Theatre Royal Windsor's annual panto, a 12 days of Christmas song, panto-style, is the bed-rock of the festivities and involves a bright red three-cup bra being thrown into the crowd – and the children go wild for it.

Other hilarious songs that stood out for me were the first number, Diamonds Are Forever which definitely set the extravagant tone of the show and the in-vogue Barbie song was a pink smash with the crowd.

This year is the 85th panto at Windsor and Aladdin’s writer Steven Blakeley, who doubles up as Window Twankey, is reliably excellent in both roles.

Her son Wishee Washee aka the indomitable Kevin Cruise, was stupid, funny and heart warming . They are backed by an array of talented actors, dancers and singers who this year included Anita Harris, Pattie Boulaye and that famous fox, Basil Brush, who is still going strong with the same old, charming and silly jokes.

And Aladdin, played by local boy Robby Khela, really did ride a magic carpet. How that was engineered, I’m not sure but it looked real and I believed he really was flying over us to rescue his true love from the evil, wicked Abanazar, played by illusionist, Paul Zenon.

Of course he did prevail and it worked out well in the end, celebrated by more song and dance. You can never have too much at a panto!

Make time to visit one this year. My mood was definitely lifted by Windsor’s. I went with my daughter who said she would go again if any of our family wanted to see it and she’s 27 - proving that Aladdin at Windsor really is a show for the whole family.

Aladdin is now at Theatre Royal Windsor until January 14 with tickets from £18.50. To book, visit https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/aladdin or call 01753 853888.