Aladdin

This was an excellent pantomime, far from the ”amateur” profile.  Many a professional show would have to go the extra mile to match this one which had an excellent cast with no weak parts anywhere. The outstanding performance was given by Nigel Thomson, who played 'Wishee Washee'.  He really stole the show with his first class performance. The company now has two first class performers, the other being Nick Brown, who played 'Widow Twankey' - there can’t be any better Dame about .  The two of them really get on well together, though I would think the prompt has a job to keep up with them.  I have never seen a kitchen scene so funny as what we saw here.  They couldn’t stand up with all the slosh about, and  Wishee left the stage on all fours.  'Abanazer' was very well played by Stephen Leahy who soon got the boos & the hisses going .  Anthea Richardson played the title role, 'Aladdin', very confidently.  'Princess Mandarin' was again well played by Emma Greenhalph.  Roger Kiddle played the 'Emporer' well. His two policeman were really well played by Amy Lane & Lucy Owens as 'Yo-Dun-Wong' & 'Hu-Dun-Pong' respectively.  'So-Shy' was played by Debby Hagen.  Diane Hehry played the 'Spirit of the Ring' delightfully.  Dan Brooks came in very late to play the 'Genie of the Lamp' very well.  We had a film chase round Northallerton which had been very well filmed by Howard Wilkinson and was very funny indeed.  Excellent sets were by Alan Miller & Brian Phillips, and there was good sound, lighting, make-up and wardrobe.  James Cornich once again directed superbly. Alan Owens and his small orchestra were just what was needed.  With lots of children in the chorus all enjoying themselves, the audiences all went home very happy. To date the company has raised £1OO,OOO for local charities.  Well done variety company.

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