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Hackney Empire's annual pantomime is a real London tradition. The Empire doesn't use soap star 'celebrities' but instead has a strong regular cast including Clive Rowe, the only Olivier Award nominated pantomime dame.

Pantomime is all about men dressing as women and women acting as men and plenty of audience participation. We get to shout at baddies and laugh at corny jokes and Hackney Empire does this the best.

Aladdin

For 2009-2010, Hackney Empire have Aladdin as their pantomime treat. Written and directed by Susie McKenna, the story follows the basic genie and magic lamp story but has plenty of Hackney references to made the locals laugh. Indeed the scene is set in Ha Ka Ney (geddit?) yet you'll find dancing pandas and a singing camel so it's comic fantasy all the way. And I love the way the actors mock the stereotypes we know in the area.

There is excellent casting to complement the regular stars: Clive Rowe (Widow Twankey), Tameka Empson (Empress), and Kat B (genie), and the costumes and sets are outstanding. I actually thought this year's pantomime was even more professional than previous years as if they'd got the mix of writers, satirical current affairs references, and comedy timing down to a fine art.

The show also includes some amazing acrobatic dancers who even impressed the 'cool' kids I was sitting with.

Aladdin is played by Anna Jane Casey (straight from starring in Chicago) and my only criticism was the fact it was hard to explain to children that she was supposed to be a boy when she was wearing a skirt.

Clive Rowe is blessed with unique comedy talent as well as a terrific singing voice. He only has to raise an eyebrow and the audience starts giggling before he speaks. His lines are full of sexual innuendos which the kids miss in the matinee performances yet the adults in the evening find hilarious.

Music
There are plenty of well chosen musical numbers, and the true highlight of the show is when Clive Rowe leads a performance of Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)". You will cry with laughter when you see this large man in a bright pink dress parading across the stage for that number.

Hackney Empire still have a live band in the orchestra pit which is unusual for 'non-serious' theater performances but they obviously see the value in putting on their best performance for every audience.

Hackney Empire
Hackney Empire is a wonderful old Victorian theater so it's always a treat to visit. They are planning to close for most of 2010 (but reopen for the next pantomime season) so it was even more special to come this year.

And after last year's Health & Safety nonsense about not being allowed to throw sweets into the audience, Clive, rather defiantly, took handfuls from his pockets and said, "What are they going to do? Close us down in January?" Clive has a good throw on him so even the balcony audience got some candy!

You May Get Wet!
The show comes down into the stalls a few times with a Chinese dragon and dancers and even a water pistol shoot out!

I saw a weekday matinee performance which meant lots of local schoolchildren were there for their annual school outing. Younger audience members might be nervous of the pyrotechnics that announce the arrival of Abanazer (the baddie) but my 3 year old was fine. David Ashley as Abenazer was superb: his costume was outstanding and his make-up too, and he had excellent comedy timing with enough wit to make us all roar with laughter.

Everything a Panto Should Have
Susie McKenna's pantomimes always strive to cover the traditional requirements of a panto while using local places and people to appeal to the area. The traditional elements: panto dame, lead boy is a girl, the audience calling "It's behind you!", songs to sing along to, great for all ages, etc are all there plus the reminders of 2009 news including TV shows, politicians, Facebook, and hit pop songs.

A classic feature of a pantomime is a panto-horse, which is two people in one costume, but the twist here was a singing pantomime camel and an elephant! I won't tell you what they both do, but it's normally associated with each animal, is a bit disgusting, and the kids loved it.

Value for Money
It's a long show at 2.5 hours approx. (with an interval) but that just makes it even better value for money.

After the interval, the build up to the finale includes more audience participation with a song to learn and a dance routine to do. Yes, everyone is expected to get up and join in!

I wish I could remember more of the comedy lines but my favorite was: "Grow up stupid." "I did!"

I reckon this is the best panto available this year and the best Hackney Empire have ever put on. A real must see. I want to go again and again!

Booking Details

Dates: 28 November 2009 - 9 January 2010

Tickets: £22.50 - £9.50, concessions and group rates available.

Official Website:www.hackneyempire.co.uk