Darlington Civic Theatre Aladdin Panto 15/12/2009
This one I took Ramsay my lil boy who’s nearly 2, my Nana, and my friends 2 kids Annaliese age 5 and Georgie age 7.
We got parked easily and went straight to our seats in the dress circle, the theatre is set out as such so that you can see the stage very well wherever you’re sat. Settling down to our seats for the 2pm matinee and the curtains rose, sending anticipation reeling round the theatre!
We were then in for the fastest 2.5 hours of our life, why? Because it was the most amazing, hillarious and entertaining panto ever to be staged! We had Chicco playing Aladdin with his actually very amazing voice, we had a baddie whom we all booed (who was Max Somerset from BBC2’s The Sourcerers Apprentice) and the unforgettable Grumbleweeds who provided us with non stop laughter all in one fabulous historic theatre! That was the one sound from the show, laughter, everyone was roaring with it.
The story, as with any panto, had a variation to the original Aladdin story and they did so well with it. There really was something to suit all. Plenty of jokes only us adults would get, my Nana had a fab time and sang away to the songs, despite not knowing the words (but its her signature trait, she makes them up)! Annaliese and Georgie got involved from the off with the ‘oh no you didn’t’ ‘oh yes you did’s’. There was so much to keep them entertained from the funny dances to the fantastic fireworks, even an appearance from the Churchill dog! The children didn’t even so much as wriggle, it captivated them for the duration! Most songs were from Hannah Montanna and High School Musical so the hundreds of school kids around were waving their arms in the air and singing every word, it was so lovely to see.
There were magic tricks galore which even left me with the ‘How did they do that?!!’ question reeling in my head. If we thought we couldn’t be left more in awe Yu Yin from the chinese state circus balanced spinning umbrellas (all 5) whilst doing a hand stand, and this was just one of the many amazing things she did!
To be honest I thought i’d have great difficulty with Ramsay, he doesn’t watch telly and not a lot holds his attention. Constantly running around, active and looking what he can get into next – he’s your typical toddler. We sat down and he remained in his seat until the baddie came on, when he jumped onto me and tucked is head in. So cute, I was more pleased he understood it and was still. Within no time at all he was booing, clapping his hands in time with the music and laughing with all the other kids.
What an amazing magical afternoon! 110% recommended to anyone looking at a great day/night out. Any ages and number of people, adults with kids, or if you don’t have children, get yourself out for some joyus time!
After we headed to Joe Rigatoni in Darlo. Really acommodating, beautiful restaurant and brilliant service. All before we even looked at the menu! My Nana and I both opted for the 2 course special for £8.95 available lunch and tea times until 7pm. I went for chicken wings and the regions best known dish a chicken parmersan, my Nana had potato skins and seafood risotto.
Let me tell you, there’s very few restaurants my Nana enjoys the whole experience from, more so the food, but she absoltuley loved it! Couldn’t stop raving about the risotto! Mine was also delicious the whole lot, i loved the homemade chips too! The children each had a kids meal, they all chose the margarita and curly fries option from their menu. They all loved it, and ate the lot (an achievement for any child in any restaurant!), and got ice cream included for afters, theirs were only £3.50 each! Drinks for all of us as well as all the food totalled the bargain price of £35.80. Just Brilliant, easy, accesable and delicious!
On the journey home we all talked non stop about the day!
If you would like more information on the panto and other great days out please please check out www.visitteesvalley.co.uk
Tags: aladin darlington, aladin darlington panto, darlington civic theatre panto, darlington panto, darlo panto, face of tees valley, Joanna Wake, joe rigatonis, joe rigatonis darlington, visit tees valley
