Pantomimes, like Pixar films, are designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, so making a grown-ups-only version rather misses the point. The student cast of ‘Aladdin’ wring a few laughs out of the many knob-gags that pepper this production, but saying “fuck” in a normally child-friendly environment can only take you so far. Sadly, the traditional panto elements are sorely lacking with mistimed slapstick, poor puns and even a dull dame. Indeed, the “adult” nature of the show actually gets in the way, with double-entendres being forsaken for simple smut. Only the cacklingly “eeeeeeeeeevil” sorcerer and his harem really hit the spot. Less swearing and more subtlety next time, please.
theSpaces at Surgeon’s Hall, 15 – 27 Aug (not 21), times vary, £5.00 – £6.00, fpp236.
tw rating 2/5
[ab]
Sections: by Andrew Bell - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 2/5 | Tags: Space Venues, University Of Bristol Pantomime Society
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