Discover what critics have had to say about the theatre’s latest pantomime, playing until the 5th January.
The Guardian: *** “Directed by Nicholai La Barrie, it is loveably interactive, with heaps of audience participation, sometimes at the expense of the story’s flow. The magic is nifty when it comes, with characters appearing or disappearing in a puff of smoke. Costumes, designed by Good Teeth, are ruffed, sequined, glitter-bound wonders.’”
All That Dazzles: **** ” If you like singing, dancing, festive fun, and laughing out loud at even the most cringe-inducing jokes, then the Lyric Hammersmith’s Aladdin should be right up your street! With enough jokes for adults to keep parents happy, and plenty of silliness for kids of all ages to enjoy, the appearance of actual Cardi B (okay, an ensemble member, but imagination is key here!) and a few nods to a certain African Gray really help cement this as a perfect panto for the TikTok generation.”
WhatsOnStage: ***** “Overall, it’s a wonderful production that wonderfully balances the silly, the huge and the true – if you’re looking for something that perfectly lives up to the spirit of pantomime, then Aladdin will serve you well.”
Theatre & Tonic: “Special shoutouts to Good Teeth for set and costume design and Sally Ferguson for lighting design. The set was not the most elaborate for a panto, but encapsulated everything the story needed. The lighting was fabulous, and making a sign saying Aladdin fade away to say Lidl was absolutely brilliant. You’ll have to make your way to Hammersmith to find out why Lidl is even present in this show.”
The Reviews Hub: **** “With so many surprises and so much to love, Aladdin makes the Lyric Hammersmith a holiday destination. A little part of every showgoer wants to exclaim when a villain is villainous or help an ill-informed hero get the girl. Aladdin is a blast for kids, parents, grandparents, and anyone willing to get a little silly. And come on, who doesn’t love Beyoncé?”
British Theatre Guide: “Whilst some episodes of audience participation, including Twerkey’s search for a new understudy and a sock-throwing competition, stall proceedings somewhat and a little more nuance would go a long way, there’s certainly never a dull moment in director Nicholai La Barrie’s show, which results in a production of pure momentum, endless drive and an awe-inspiring special effect that draws gasps from the audience.”
The Arts Dispatch: *** “The Lyric’s ‘Aladdin’ is packed with quirky humour, joyful revelry and cultural references that confirm the tradition of the pantomime evidently isn’t ‘behind you’.”
West End Best Friend: **** “This production is incredibly funny and asks the big questions in life: what are the best wishes to ask a genie for, and can you really find true love at the launderette? A thrilling family show, which promises a magically entertaining rendition of a classic pantomime.”
London Theatre.co.uk: *** “Jalay’s script zooms in on Aladdin’s class divides – there’s even a reworked version of Pulp’s “Common People”. But many of the much-loved panto tropes are lost in the process: there’s barely any innuendo or political commentary. The cave Aladdin finds his magic lamp in, clumsily, becomes a cavity in the middle aisle of Lidl.”
Lou Reviews: **** “I really liked this panto. The pacing was excellent, the cast was fabulous, and the festive vibe was set up with Christmas songs played before the show started. Even a line flub was covered brilliantly and made part of the show. It stays close to the original story while adding in 21st century elements and musical styles.”
The Stage: **** “Joyful and dynamic reimagining of the familiar tale.”
To book tickets visit: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/aladdin-2024/