It is perhaps a gamble that pays off, as while the love story is not particularly rife with jokes, there is genuine warmth and chemistry between the two which enables the quickly blossoming love story to feel genuine. There are a few cheeky mentions for Gallagher’s alter-ego, Mister Maker, but Gallagher’s willingness to laugh at himself, as well as those around him, is well received.Īlistair So and Lauren Chia, Aladdin and Princess Jasmine respectively, get more stage time than you might expect for a pantomime’s lead characters. Gallagher’s quick wit bounces well in the double act he quickly forms with Roddy’s Dolly, and, just like Roddy, Gallagher’s performance makes the show feel in safe hands despite the chaos that unfolds with audience participation and a plethora of quickly delivered puns. Making his return to the Marlowe stage is Phil Gallagher, whose role as Charlie fulfils the ‘Buttons’ type role in this show. Plenty of the cast have performed on the stage in pantomime before, and Roddy deservedly sits at the head of this family’s table. One of the things that makes the Marlowe’s pantomime feel so warm is the family feeling it gives you. Roddy’s comic timing and physicality are just as slick as they ever have been, and it is impressive that Roddy continues, year after year, to make the Dame character feel fresh and exciting. From Dolly’s hysterical first appearance, Roddy oozes control in leading the ensemble through the inevitable chaos that the pantomime brings. Clifton, though, proves he is not just a slick mover, pulling on his musical theatre experience to lead some of the punchier moments, including a roof-raising, Kent location pun filled version of the Kaiser Chiefs’ iconic ‘I Predict A Riot’, which earns Clifton a deserved rousing reception.Īlongside Clifton is the always funny Ben Roddy, as Dame Dolly, who returns for his 15th pantomime at the Marlowe Theatre. Alongside the pair are a fantastic ensemble cast, led by Marlowe Pantomime Dame stalwart Ben Roddy, and a returning Phil Gallagher (aka Mister Maker), who bring the audience along on a ride of jokes, songs and beautifully choreographed routines in what is a spellbinding production.Ĭlifton’s portrayal of the dastardly Ivan, desperate for the Genie’s Lamp, is wickedly funny and the former Strictly Come Dancing professional is given plenty of opportunity to show off his incredible dancing repertoire. This is your typical pantomime version of Aladdin, where the titular character (played by Alistair So), seeks fortune in an attempt to win Princess Jasmine’s (Lauren Chia) hand in marriage. Dancing star Kevin Clifton is a devilish delight in this exceptional festive feast as the Marlowe Theatre continues its legendary run of pantomimes, with this year’s production of Aladdin being yet another Christmas cracker.
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