The Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe – until Sunday 5th January 2025
Reviewed by Rachel Clark
5*****
The best Pantomime I have been to – truly magical
From the minute you walk into the theatre until you leave there is the buzz of excitement. There was a DJ playing festive tunes and lots of brightly lit merchandise in the atrium, then you go into the main theatre and are hit by the led lights of the set and you just know it is going to be good and you will not be disappointed.
The cast were brilliant when they sometimes went off the script and tried not to laugh the audience couldn’t help but laugh for them, there was plenty of laughter but also the boo’s and hisses and the ‘its behind you’. The audience participation was 100% and lots of clapping along.
The story is about Aladdin (played by Kyle Richardson who has played in the Lion King) who is a son of Lola Lankey (played by La Voix – as seen on Ru Paul Drag Race) he also has a brother Vernon Lankey (played by Vernon Kay – Radio 2 DJ and TV presenter). Aladdin a poor son of a washer lady falls for Princess Jasmine (Amiyah Goodall) and goes to find his fortune but so is the Baddie – Sven Gali (played by Gerard Carey) and they battle to who has ownership of the lamp. Sven is from Sweeedun and is looking for the Lurmmp and his broken Swedish made the audience have a good laugh.
Lola’s costumes were as brilliant, no expense spared they were bright and elaborate like Lola, a very strong funny character. The whole cast were brilliant and they had great rapport and they looked as they were enjoying themselves as much as we were. The scene of Aladdin on board the magic carpet was very cleverly done.
My 3 year old Grandson was mesmerised by the whole show, the show is suitable for all ages from the young to the eldest, there is something for everyone, plenty of adult humour. Other characters were the Genie – Anton Stephens, Spirit of the ring – Alexia played by Natalia Brown and a big shout out to the behind the scenes crew, creative tea, band, video and effects team the set as magical
Such a magical Pantomine so colourful and creating so much laughter – outstanding.