Aladdin

As Producer Tony Garwood quoted in the programme notes, this was "a tale of love, villainy and washing!" so it had to be fun and it certainly was.  The set was ideal with lovely projected scenery which left plenty of room for movement with some of the action extending into the hall so the audience really felt part of the show.  Judith Foot gave us an Aladdin who was lazy as far as his mother's laundry was concerned but full of resolve to gain the love of the Princess, using her acting and singing skills to great effect.  Cas Garwood played Princess Jasmine as a feisty romantic heroine with a very powerful voice, making quite a change from the usual sweet and shy character that we generally see in panto.  She was accompanied by So-Shi, her lady-in-waiting played charmingly by Isher Edgeler.  Mandie Fairhall's performance as Widow Twankey was really great.  I know the Dame is usually played by a man but Mandie's characterisation was one of the best I have seen.  Lynn Enever also gave a great performance as Wishee Washee - really good fun.  Roni Bromley played thevillainous Abanazar, deserving all the boos from the audience but turning out to be quite nice in the end! in the end!  All the other supporting parts were played extremely well, with the chorus of Townies adding to the fun with the Harlequin Dancers performing their very enjoyable routines with great professionalism.  Costumes and makeup were very good indeed and the programme was well laid out and interesting.  Congratulations to all the team, both those on stage and those behind the scenes.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.