Aladdin

Set in Peking, this Panto had all the traditional magic with the familiar local humour of the West of Scotland to provide all the necessary ingredients for success.  The part of Aladdin was in extremely safe hands with Laura Shepherd who displayed all the essential qualities required of a principal boy.  Wishee Washee was brilliantly captured by Eddie Gouther and was perfectly matched against Wendy Gallacher as the not so shy, So-Shy whose frolics together added to the fun.  As dame Widow Twankey, Michael Boyle was perfectly at home on the stage as he engaged with the other characters and connected well with the audience with great wit throughout.  In narrating parts of the story in comedic rhyme, Grant Johnston and Patrick Rafferty bounced well off each other with excellent timing providing a great double act.  Bill McCloy was a suitably sinister Abanazar and Peter Paterson made a fine Genie.  Giovanna Tweedie and Helen McAleer were well cast as the poverty stricken Emperor and Empress of China as was Cat Gemmell, Princess Pekinesia.  The young dancers blended well into the chorus and were well drilled in their routines.  The stage set and stunning costumes all added to what was great traditional family pantomime.  I understand this was the first production the Guild has presented on such a large scale and all involved should be extremely pleased with the end result.

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