Aladdin

This was my last Pantomime of the season and it did not disappoint; from the very start, we had colour, enthusiasm and smiling faces from the cast (and the audience!)

The Producer, Dean Patrick, had constructed the pantomime himself - his was the traditional story of Aladdin, with modern twists in both production and musical numbers (brought together expertly by David Hann, the Musical Director and his band). A strong cast, led by Steven Holt as Widow Twankey, gave the audience plenty to laugh at (and heckle!) - it's the hardest job in theatre to keep the audience on your side and this was achieved by every principal. The 'Laundry' sequence, with Widow Twankey and Wishee-Washee, (a hard working Paul Metcalfe) was one of the funniest I have seen - especially as noisy youngsters in the audience encouaged Widow Twankey not to mix Wishee Washee up with the rest of the laundry! The other principals equally gave good performances, supported by chorus,dancers and children,with choreography by Andrew Lockwood.

I must congratulate the back-stage team, even more so in this production - the sets, props, lighting, sound and make-up were perfect - and need I say, the costumes by Tina (Tacker) Riordan were of the highest calibre - the whole production was pleasing throughout.

I have to say that the pamtomime was nearly upstaged by two costumed animals - firstly, the adorable Kung Fu Panda and a full sized Nellie the Elephant, who entered at one point with the Genie on it's back! Definitely a first and the company must be warmly congratulated!! A good move to use the 'Nellie' song as the song-sheet and the audience were able to meet Nellie at the end of the show - the children and adults loved it!

It's always a pleasure attending shows at this venue - Morley Town Hall is a lovely building and the audience for this show left with smiling faces - it never ceases to amaze me that in this technological age, children are still able to scream, 'It's behind you' and 'Oh, yes it is!' - that's the true spirit of pantomime and long may Morley Amateurs keep up the tradition!

Congratulations to you all!

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