1001 Arabian Nights

The stage looked very attractive with its festive decoration and flanked by the band. The hall was busy, with an enthusiastic audience.

The stage lighting was bright, clear and comprehensive, but it did, sometimes, come on late for a scene. Projections were used for the backdrops. These were really excellent…complex and colourful and properly positioned. The cast seemed fully aware of them and didn’t make the common mistake of getting too close, so that their shadows were projected.

There was a fine selection of props; and they were all used effectively. Many of the costumes were sumptuous and exotic – the dancers’ outfits were particularly good; and the Humpy the Camel outfit was great fun !

Sound effects and recorded music were enjoyable. Radio mics were used well and there were no apparent hiccups. The musicians, led by Liz Cooper, gave a fine accompaniment throughout…never drowning the singers. However, some of the singers seemed a bit insecure. Had they had enough rehearsal with the band ?

On the other hand, the four dancers (Charlotte Jones, Annabelle Langdon, Hannah Roberts & Isla Sefton) were excellent and a credit to choreographer Annelly James.

A gentle number opened the show and introduced us to some of the cast.

Dame Baba, played by Tyler Pannone, was a lively and amusing dame; more in the style of Lily Savage than Les Dawson; and sang Money, Money, Money for us.

Sophie Hartley was fun and engaging as Ali Baba, the hero of the day. Her best mate was Bob; but she didn’t realise that “Bob” was really the Princess Bobastasia ! Hers was a fine performance with good comic timing by Darina Attwood Cox. Ali sang I Got You Bro with brother, Singbad the Sailor, who was enthusiastically played by Sam Newman.

Bob’s sister was the haughty and imperious Princess Jasmina, played by Katrina Desborough. She duetted with Bobastasia on Sisters. Desired from afar by Ali and pursued by the villainous Grand Vizier, she eventually gets Singbad for her man.

The Genie (Alison Johnston-Ralph) didn’t get any man…but it wasn’t for want of trying. There was little mention of three wishes, but lots of rubbing against our heroes. A very stimulating performance.

Robert Hardy, as the Grand Vizier, was a most suitable prince of darkness. He sang of his lust for power and maintained a cheerful villainy throughout the piece.

Derek Stringer and Stephen Leggett were the ironic, laid-back guards; and Ashley Bolle briefly played an unsuccessful thief. And Robert Johnson breathed comic life into Humpy the Camel.

The cast came together to sing I’m a Believer for the finale number.

Thank you Gloria, cast and crew for an enjoyable evening.

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