The first I time I saw the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto in Leeds the Iraq War had just ended, Novak Djokovic has secured his first Wimbledon crown and Prince William got hitched to Catherine Middleton
Since then, this traditional pantomime with a musical edge has become a must see for families across the generations – oh, yes it has – and taken its place in the pantheon of great shows in one of the North’s most historic theatres.
It may be entering its fifteenth run, but the latest Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto basically is the same show, albeit with a different name, and a few more topical gags. This time star-crossed lovers A-lad-in-Leeds (see what they did there?) and Princess Peachblosoom are helped by a motley crew of friends to overcome evil villain Abanazer before they find true love. Oh, yes they did.
This show’s unique selling point is you get a load of pop classics – including a quite surreal version of Pulp’s Common People – all played live by the cast that are sort of linked to the ‘narrative’. Add a puntastic script from panto genius Peter Rowe packed full of fun for the kids, plus some knowing naughtiness for the adults, and you can see why people come back year after year.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantos live and die by their Dames and in Simon Nock they have a master – or is it mistresses – of this most British of roles playing Aladdin’s ‘mum’ Tallulah Tightbottom. The outrageous Nock is in his eighth year at the Varieties, so knows exactly how to work this room in a series of ever more over the top costumes. As always, he picks on a hapless victim at the front to mock throughout as he delivers all Rowe’s corny gags and tricky wordplay with consummate timing, plus throwing in some real smut that flies over the top of the kids’ heads. There may not be a better Dame working the circuit
Kenny Davies as the dastardly Abanazer was in the first Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto here, graduating from the idiot role to the villain. He is a master of the double take and there was a lovely moment when Nock made him corpse, which is one great joys of panto. Pratfalls are an essential part of panto and Guy Freeman as good hearted idiot Tommy the Tyke nailed them all.
Aside from all being decent musicians this was a well drilled cast, so were able to improvise when things went wrong as they do in all pantos, or when the audience didn’t react as anticipated. Some theatre snobs might sneer at panto, but it takes great skill to think on your feet in a very fast moving show packed with props, and make an intergenerational audience laugh.
Panto is the only form of theatre where shouting out and joining in is actively encouraged. There is something joyous about watching little kids and their parents bellowing ‘he’s behind you’ or being sprayed by water guns as they laugh hysterically. Panto is often a child’s first experience of theatre and there is no better way to start.
You might expect a critic who has seen this show countless times to be jaded, but this version of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto was just fun as ever. Don’t just take my word for it as we were joined this year by two people who had never seen it before and they were laughing just as hard as we were because sometimes theatre can just be fun,
Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is at Leeds City Varieties until Saturday 11 January. To book www.leedshertitagetheatres.com or 0113 2430808.
Reviewer: Paul Clarke
Reviewed: 8th December 2025
North West End UK Rating: