Review: Aladdin at the Lyric Hammersmith

It’s more than just Widow Twankey’s laundry getting mixed up in Hammersmith this Christmas. The Lyric’s Aladdin blends together traditional and contemporary to create an enjoyable and exciting show for all the family to enjoy.

With its references to hip-hop culture and the portrayal of Aladdin as a simple-minded albeit loveable “yoof”, Joel Horwood, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Steve Marmion keep Aladdin modern and updated while retaining everything that makes the tale from Arabian Nights the success it is today.

Simon Kunz as Abanazer in Aladdin at the Lyric Hammersmith. Picture: Tristram Kenton

While some may argue against a panto that includes enough chart-topping hits to make a compilation album, the tracks selected complement the storyline perfectly while some songs have even been altered for the better such as Nigel Betts’ Genie performing You Can’t Wish This. Of course this is also thanks to the accompanying MC Hammer dance performed brilliantly by The Panto Young Company who provide energy and verve throughout the production.

Steven Webb as Wishy Washy, the adorable text-speaking monkey is a delight to watch giving the audience plenty to LOL about while Dominique Moore and Sophia Nomvete as Princess Karen and Ringo respectively prove their talent with incredible vocals. It is the villainous Abanazar played by Simon Kunz however that made this panto for me, with his witty comebacks, comical timing and hilarious rendition of Shaggy’s Mr. Bombastic leaving the audience in fits of laughter.

The Lyric’s Aladdin boasts a range of quirky and endearing characters, well-performed musical numbers and of course a barrel full gags; it’s a definite must-see.