Surrey

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-53.jpg" alt="Aladdin panto production at Camberley Theatre in 2025." class="wp-image-63297" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-53.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-53-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-53-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-53-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-53-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



From the first “Oh no he didn’t!” to the glitter-drenched finale, Aladdin is pure, high-voltage fun &#8211; the kind of show that pries even the grumpiest grown-ups out of their winter slump.



It nails the magic mix: toe-tapping tunes, big belly laughs, and even a gentle “be good” message woven in. 



But it gets even better (oh yes, it really does!), tossing in some brilliant surprises I’ve never seen in a panto before — and trust me, I’ve clocked more pantos than is probably healthy. The 3D visuals catapult the magic carpet ride into a whole new dimension, and then — hello! — a very easy-on-the-eyes, bare-chested gymnast appears, pulling off daredevil tricks that’ll have you gasping… for strictly artistic reasons, of course. Typical panto antics? Not quite. A wonderful addition? Absolutely.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-155.jpg" alt="Aladdin panto production at Camberley Theatre in 2025." class="wp-image-63299" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-155.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-155-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-155-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-155-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-155-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



From the very start, the show sets the tone: turbo-charged songs and an endless stream of jokes pitched perfectly to send the kids into hysterics. The adults may roll their eyes now and then, but the rapid-fire delivery makes it impossible not to chuckle along. And yes &#8211; there’s just the right sprinkle of cheeky innuendo to keep the grown-ups entertained too.



The cast hurl themselves into the glorious chaos with infectious enthusiasm — plus the odd surprise water-pistol soaking for good measure. The plot sticks to the much-loved panto blueprint, but instead of the bustling souks of Agrabah, we’re plonked smack-bang in the unapologetic mayhem of Pantoland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story">The story</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-50.jpg" alt="Aladdin panto production at Camberley Theatre in 2025." class="wp-image-63296" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-50.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-50-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-50-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-50-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-50-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



We follow Aladdin (Mike Carnell) on his classic rags-to-riches adventure, accompanied by his ever-dramatic mum, Widow Twankey (Mark Slowey), who runs the local laundrette. Slowey delivers sharp timing and playful humour, while Aladdin is cheeky, charming, and utterly likeable &#8211; the kind of hero you can’t help but cheer for.



Princess Jasmine (Anna Steele) is sweet and dreamy-eyed, longing for life beyond the palace walls, much to the dismay of her ever-protective mother, the Queen (a glamorous Tania Whatley). And of course, it all boils down to that classic tale: princess meets pauper, sparks fly, and the fun is off and running.



Then there’s the small matter of the dastardly Abanazar (Kristian Maylor), whose evil scheming keeps our heroes on their toes. Aladdin is the chosen one, tasked with retrieving the magic lamp from the ancient cave. Guiding him along the way is Lucy Bradford’s sparkling Spirit of the Ring, popping up to lend a hand along with some much-needed magic &#8230; and a song or two for good measure.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatare_Aladdin2025_-110.jpg" alt="Aladdin panto production at Camberley Theatre in 2025." class="wp-image-63301" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatare_Aladdin2025_-110.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatare_Aladdin2025_-110-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatare_Aladdin2025_-110-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatare_Aladdin2025_-110-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatare_Aladdin2025_-110-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Expect big musical numbers, many with cleverly adapted lyrics, bright costumes, and a stunning set. Special mention to the ensemble, whose energy and polished dance moves keep the stage buzzing &#8211; they’re a highlight in their own right.



The classic panto antics are in full swing, with plenty of the traditional “oh, no he isn’t” lines, cheeky digs at neighbouring towns (hello Aldershot, Woking, Guildford and Virginia Water), a hilarious twist on the 12 Days of Christmas sketch, and lots of audience participation to keep everyone firmly in the action.



What really makes it a winner though, is the pace: no dull moments &#8211; just pure, high-energy, laugh-out-loud panto joy. Magic carpets, mayhem, and a touch of the unexpected make this a festive treat is definitely one to see.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-174.jpg" alt="Aladdin panto production at Camberley Theatre in 2025." class="wp-image-63300" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-174.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-174-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-174-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-174-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/12/Camberley-Theatre_Aladdin2025_-174-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Good for:&nbsp;All ages! specially those who enjoy laughter, a dash of sparkle, playful jokes, memorable songs, and a heartwarming tale with magical touches.



Not for:&nbsp;Best avoided by those who prefer calm, serious theatre. This show is packed with silliness, puns, and festive pandemonium!



<a href="https://www.camberleytheatre.co.uk/events/aladdin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aladdin</a> is at Camberley Theatre until Wed 31 Dec.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-more">WANT MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/christmas/panto-guide-christmas-shows-surrey/">The 2025 panto guide: the best shows to see in Surrey</a></li>



<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/christmas/best-christmas-films/">50 festive films to get you in the Christmas spirit</a></li>



<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/christmas/family-christmas-events-surrey/">The ultimate guide to Christmas events across Surrey</a></li>
</ul>

Review: Aladdin at Camberley Theatre

You may also like