Aladdin

The story of Aladdin and his magical lamp ranks near the top of the Panto popularity list.  While the battle between the wicked Abanazar and the gallant love-struck Aladdin is at the heart of the story it is also, traditionally, a vehicle for plenty of comedy through the actions of Widow Twankey and her simple son Wishy Washy.

It’s always a guaranteed colourful spectacle at a Macclesfield Majestic’s panto, this time with the setting in ancient China and the Middle East it opens the scope for visual treats to be taken even further!

To kick off the show we were entertained by a marvellously choreographed Bollywood inspired number with ‘Jai Ho’ which maintained the standard of dance we’ve been getting from MMTG in recent years. Although high standard of performance is on display in musical numbers, the volume and command of the ensemble singing would benefit being brought up to the same level.  Solo delivery is a different ball game entirely with some very competent vocals on display especially from Luke Clayton in the title role.

Panto wouldn’t be panto without the laughs and the biggest laughs of the night came from comedy duo Minnie & Winnie Wong played by Jacqui Moreland and Victoria Harrison. Jacqui’s character seemed a touch smarter than her twin (only by half a brain cell) which enabled Victoria to really go to town with her comical facial expressions and copious energy - we were in safe hands with this experienced and exceptionally capable duo.

It was interesting to see a shake up with the casting this year - it’s always healthy and refreshing to see new people take on the principal roles - which does seem to be a running theme in district #1 this panto season!

Sheila Gaskell earned some of the more memorable laughs as One Long Pong – the haughty chaperone to the princess and Chris Simmons excels in panto as he demonstrated with his portrayal as the villain Abanazar which requires a brooding, cunning stage presence which Chris nailed, stalking around the stage uttering his threats.

Luke Clayton offers a very boyish Aladdin – a part which is often played by a young woman (as principal boy) but although I can’t put my finger on why, I always favour the role being played by a male, I feel the same about Prince Charming in Cinderella but for most of the others I don’t really have much of a preference, how peculiar! Luke admirably makes the most of what often seems a somewhat secondary role against the larger-than-life characters around him.

Tom Blackwell is a typical Dame who commanded his time on stage with vigour. I personally prefer a Dame to convey more manly qualities than feminine ones in terms of voice and gestures, I find it adds to the comedy value with a deeper voice than normal and a slightly butch swagger rather than trying to accurately imitate a woman. The more ridiculous, the better. Tom gave a worthy act and having such large shoes to fill he presented his own Dame in his own way which is creditable and definitely the right choice to make!

Jack Smith returns as Musical Director for the second year and he confirms why he should be doing so, not only creating a good sound from the three musicians (himself included) also getting himself, and his two colleagues, involved in the fun and merriment of the genre and clearly having a good rapport with the cast - let’s hope we see more of him in charge of the music for MMTG!

Jean Clarke led her team and cast to present a colourful and highly enjoyable evening at the pantomime – did we love it? “…Oh yes we did!”

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