The Everyman Theatre’s 2024 pantomime has entered the building: taking audiences from quaint Cheltenham teashop to bright light city Vegas casino — via energetic Tweedy slapstick; a saucy script from writer Samuel Holmes; a hip-swinging, lip-curling Elvis-themed baddy; sequin-emblazoned singers and dancers; stunning set design; a triumphant, trackie-wearing dame and utterly sensational flying carpet stunt, that sees Aladdin literally soar above the audience!
Along with some of Gloucestershire’s own celebrities, including Daisy May Cooper and Bake Off star Giuseppe Dell'Anno, a few of the SoGlos team and family members attended the press night performance of Aladdin — and, despite the age differences, ranging from seven to early-40s, we were all howling with laughter, united in dodging Tweedy’s water pistol, applauding the impressive singing from eponymous hero (Luke Suri) and beautiful Jasmine (Samira Mighty), and groaning at all those ‘All Shook Up’ quips from Elvis-themed Abanazar (Miles Western).
While we don’t want to giveaway any spoilers, after taking on the role of the dame last year, Tweedy is back playing himself — a role ‘the Cotswolds’ clown (MBE)’ shared he was delighted to resume: bringing boundless energy, hardly any clothes, a giant inflatable balloon act, mischief with a leaf blower and endless silliness — in a role he was quite literally born to play.
After a year hiatus, Kevin Brewis also makes a welcome return as the brilliant Widow Twankey — with easily the most impressive costumes: changing from teabag adorned gown to velour tracksuit and raising eyebrows with their sardonic one-liners and adlibs galore. Writer and co-director Samuel also manages to squeeze in a key role too, sort of.
Sillier and debatably ruder than ever — being dubbed Britain’s 'most woke theatre’ by the Daily Mail did not translate to the script, which tiptoed tantalisingly close to the controversial on plenty of occasions — thankfully (and, of course, thoroughly intentionally) the cheekiest jokes shot straight over the littles ones’ heads.
While seasoned panto-goers may well have seen Aladdin plenty of times before, with its 'Glosvegas' glow up, the Everyman Theatre’s version is almost unrecognisable from the traditional tale — heralding the start of the festive season for families across Gloucestershire with a unique and thoroughly entertaining local twist.
On the stage until Sunday 12 January 2025, and this year raising money for nominated panto charity Cheltenham Open Door, for more information see Aladdin at the Everyman Theatre and visit everymantheatre.org.uk to book. Relaxed, audio-described and British Sign Language performances are also available.
