Well, having now specialised in costume I was told to 'immerse' myself in the subject. With it being Christmas my 'immersing' had to begin with a panto. Obviously. So I headed to see my childhood favourite 'Aladdin' at the Hackney Empire.
Granted I was alone and the only person of my age group there (the audeince was either under the age of ten or over the age of 40) but this was fine. I had the best seat in the place as I booked an hour before the performance and for my luck some press had cancelled! So centre seat I was set to enjoy. Clive Rowe-the Dame, Aladdins mother was fantastic, cracking out jokes for the adult aduience constantly. His costumes were true to a panto dame, elaborate and humerous. One hat featured a model washing line over head (Aladdins mother owned a laundrette in this version). I really liked the fire work lighting where stars dispersed around the room replicating the movement of fireworks. Instead of the classic 'a whole new world' they played Take Thats 'Greatest Day' which was cheesly hilarious. The best set in my opinion was of the cave where Aladdin is searching for the lamp, loved the depth here, Jaffa was at the top of the stage high up (see crappy drawing), really got the feeling Aladdin was at the bottom of a cave.
And of course a mince pie at half time (I couldnt get ice cream with the kids) really got me feeling xmassy. Pantos definatly still serve their light-hearted entertaining post how whatever age you are. A must at xmas.
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