Aladdin

Panto is alive and kicking at The Hawth in Crawley. Year on year they deliver a production that is both true to the form and reflective of current fashion. This year’s is no exception and the entire production simply shimmers with festive cheer, from the excellent set and costumes to the hard working company who drive the whole forward at a pace. Les Dennis makes a creditable Widow Twankey, at times a little shy perhaps, but coming into his own when they do the Twelve Days of Christmas routine, not I might add with the original words. Aladdin’s best moment is his magic carpet ride to Egypt, a superb effect that has him hovering over the stalls. But once again top marks have to go to Jon Clegg, a seasoned panto pro whose Wishee Washee is anything but. I love a good panto, but only a good one, and The Hawth does not disappoint.

The Hawth Crawley, 12 December 2012

Rating: