We sent our two young testers, Michael and Henry Staples, eight and nine, to Lewisham Theatre to get their verdict on Aladdin...

THIS was the first time Michael has cried at a pantomime but it wasnt because he was happy.

He was fed up because, halfway through, Aladdin threw cakes and chocolate into the audience, but not where we were sitting!

However, Michael was soon laughing again when a scary ghost, who had terrified the Emperor, ran for his life at the sight of widow Twankey Aladdins mum (Graham Richards).

No wonder! She was ugly, but who cares, she was funny.

She cooks dinner for Abanazar the villain, after he pretends hes Aladdins uncle and says Its mince as she sashays off the stage.

There were lots of song and dance routines, though you couldnt hear the words in the first number.

Princess Jasmine (Davina Perera) had a good voice, though we are split on whether or not she could act.

At the end of the show, two children were invited up on stage. One of them was happy to be up there but the other seemed embarrassed like I (Henry) would be.

There were plenty of costume changes the emperor wore elaborate head-dresses and Widow Twankeys jewellery was bizarre.

Timmy Mallett (Aladdin) has a catchphrase, utterly, utterly brilliant. This panto isnt quite that but well worth a visit.

VERDICT: 3/5