It’s almost time for Christmas and what is more of a Christmas tradition than spending time with family watching a pantomime? We’ll you’re in luck, as the Queens Theatre Hornchurch’s latest production is a fun filled pantomime rendition of Aladdin. I have seen many of productions at the Queen’s Theatre and I havn’t been disappointed yet. But I had not seen a children’s production before. That’s why I took 2 very special guests with me to review the press evening performance of Aladdin, my children who are aged 7 and 4 (My youngest at 9 months would not be able to review adequately!)

Before I get to my Children’s review I must say of course that although a pantomime is aimed at children it really is fun for all the family. There are many jokes and references in the production that are for the adults in the audience and there is just the right balance in this production of Aladdin of things for the children, things for the adults and content that all can enjoy.

The Queens Theatre production of Aladdin runs to a similar story to the classic Aladdin pantomime we all know and love. However the cast here can often be found adding in references to the local area (such as the district line) and there are a few unique examples of deviation to the story (like the bus through Hornchurch and the Yeti scene!). I genuinely loved this show and at many times could not hold the laughter back. Aside from the “Oh no he isn’t” and the “He’s behind you” that the children love, it’s also very funny and a heart warming family story.

The production is top notch as I have come to expect from the Queens Theatre, with wonderfully colourful set pieces and a seemingly never ending supply of backgrounds for the show. The musical numbers too were very good and a mix between the very touching and the very very funny.

Although I enjoyed all the performances on the night, there were three that stood out for me. Firstly Thomas Sutcliffe as the Genie and Vizier to the Emperor. I have never seen Thomas perform before, however his performance as the Vizier was extremely funny to the point that I actually missed his absence from the latter scenes (when Thomas was actually playing the Genie). Secondly Fred Broom. What can I say about Fred other than he is an absolute star. I have seen Fred in so many productions now and here in Aladdin he is perfect as the dame Widow Twanky. It is hard to believe in this role that Fred could play very serious parts too such as he did in The Elephant Man, however that stands testament to his ability as an actor. Lastly is Sam Pay as Abanazar. I saw Sam in a smaller role in Don’t Look Now. But here, Sam has come into his own and you can see the enjoyment he gets from the snarling and hissing Abanazar. He is absolutely fantastic in this role and Abanazer was my favourite character of the whole night.

This is a wonderful production and a great family night out. I highly recommend it and my children asked at the end if we could see it again. Fantastic show!

I will leave you with a couple of thoughts from my fellow little reviewers.

“Aladdin was really good. I really liked Betty the Yeti and loved the evil Abanazar. My favourite parts we’re when Abanazar shrunk to a tiny pea and when we all sung together at the end. I think everyone should see Aladdin at the Queen’s Theatre.”

“In Aladdin Betty the Yeti was really nice and Princess Jasmine was beautiful. My best bit was when Abanazar trapped Aladdin in the cave. I shouted but Aladdin didn’t hear me! I want to see it again.”

Aladdin will be performed at the Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch from 28 November – 9 January. Tickets are £12.50 – £27, with discounts for groups. To book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or book online at queens-theatre.co.uk

All photos are credit Mark Sepple and used with the permission of the Queens Theatre