Aladdin

I must start by offering my heartiest congratulations to Preston Musical Comedy Society for yet another ‘sell-out’ performance – how many societies can boast that their show was sold-out before the run of 12 performances even started!  On the night I attended on arrival I was unable to even get into the theatre as the doors were firmly blocked by excited children – all set to enjoy themselves – which they did – royally.  It was SUCH a pleasure the see the theatre so full.

Congratulations also on some specially scored music for the production which was exactly right.  Predictably the cheers tended to come with the better-known songs but the traditional ‘sing along’ was a new piece which went down really well.  I know I mention it every year but I do love the fact that you have live music – it gets rid of any of those awful pauses whilst the cast ‘wait for the introduction to be over’- and your trio of musicians are superb!

There can be no more honest or critical audience than children – should their attention wane they will make their presence felt in a most disruptive way.    No danger of that here, all of the the audience were with the cast every step of the way happily booing Abanazar almost before he had set foot on the stage.  One slight note of caution, although the sound effects on ‘character’ voices  sounds most ethereal and effective it unfortunately meant that we were unable to hear the actual words – which is a such shame.  In fact the characterisation and acting was good throughout, although I had a couple of question marks over some of the singing, with voices not always blending.  

I must make mention of two specific sections of the script (which had been written for the Society by one of their members, Mark Howard who also directed the production) – I loved the Who: What: I Don’t Know:  sketch which was performed so well, at such a cracking pace and, as such was very funny – and the 12 Day of Christmas song was an absolute triumph, thoroughly enjoyed by the whole audience and many, many congratulations to all who took part, but especially Wishy Washy – I was exhausted for him at the end what a cracking job! 

The costumes were bright and colourful throughout and once more this society has excelled in the costumes for the finale – everyone looked simply wonderful and made a wonderful picture. 

Speaking of wonderful pictures – it was quite unusual to have the scenes set, almost within a brick picture frame, but it worked really well and looked really good.

All in all a most enjoyable traditional pantomime – there really was something for everyone, and with specially scored music, a talented cast and a modern script – which still retained most of the traditional pantomime aspects.  Thank you, and well done to all concerned.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.