Review: Aladdin, Maidstone's Hazlitt Theatre, Saturday, December 3

by Angela Cole

There is definitely a bit of cheekiness going on at this year’s Hazlitt pantomime in Maidstone.

Hollyoaks and Holby City hearthrob Jeremy Edwards – who promised the KM earlier this year he wouldn’t be just the straight man in Aladdin – managed to fit in a bewildering array of cheeky gags, double enterdres and knowing looks, some of which left us adults in the audience almost not sure where to look!

As the fourth performance in the Blue Genie Entertainments’ run at the theatre in Earl Street, it was to be expected that there would still be some teething troubles, but as is always the way with panto, it’s never clear whether every gaffe is entirely accidental. One of the funniest ones involved, let’s say, a wardrobe malfunction by Widow Twankey, alias Andy Couchman, who carried it off well and is definitely a find for the Hazlitt.

Gary Damer, playing Wishee Washee, seemed to take a little while to get going, but hats off to him for attempting satire in Maidstone – let’s hope he keeps that one in. By the second half, he was getting into his stride and should be having the audience eating out of the palm of his hand later in the run.

Princess Jasmine (Sapphire Elia from Emmerdale) had a beautiful voice which lit up the stage and which Jeremy Edwards was unable to match.

Special mention should go to Daniel Jacob, playing the Genie, who brought a massive injection of energy to the production when he burst onto stage before the interval. Another should go to one of the female dancers, Jamie Leigh Nelson, who played, among other parts, the Slave of the Ring, and was a real giggle with her street accent and mannerisms.

The producers had done their homework, making sure there were gags aplenty referring to Maidstone, including Park Wood and Mote Park, and some relating to the Gills – always good for a chuckle.

There was also laughs provided helpfully by the audience, including one man’s solo “Go Twankey, Go Twankey” rendition, which brought the house down.

There was the usual good mix of songs, costume and dances by youngsters which were of the top standard we have come to expect from the production company, although the teething problems did extend a little into the lighting – which, luckily, was laughed off by the cast members admirably.

The show runs until Sunday, January 15. To book your tickets, go to www.maidstonepanto.co.uk or cal the box office on 01622 758611.