Aladdin

The duo of Andrew Clingo on keyboard and Richard Greaves on percussion are able to provide the complete range of accompanying music for any pantomime. Andrew plays in a style that encourages singers to open their mouths and enjoy the sound of their voices and this was very much in evidence in the performance of Langtoft Players version of Aladdin last evening. The opening number was sung with great gusto, as were all the other songs and there were always beaming smiles on the   singers’ faces; they were enjoying themselves and were determined to ensure that their audience did so as well. The script was written by Kei Bailey and addition to detailing the story of “Aladdin” it is chock-full of jokes and one-liners.

As for the players, the wicked Abanazar (Matthew Lee), was booed as soon as he put one foot on the stage and Donkor (Val Gregg), his sidekick, was the camel handler endeavouring to converse with a   camel that didn’t seem to want to take any notice! Jameela the camel (contained Louise Lee, Naomi Phillips, Sofie Greaves and Ollie Barrett at various times). It was good to see Felicity (Joanne Clingo) on stage as well as taking tickets on the door and Empress Pan Ting (Jackie Dodds) being most majestic and domineering towards her daughter Ki Lee (Klare Ward). Bossy Inspector Lau Zee (Rhianna Hyland) and dozey PC Du Wan (LouiseMolina) feigning stupidity throughout, made up the police contingent. Widow Twankey (Richard Gregg) was the madcap mother of Wishee Washee  (Joan Thompson),who was very active throughout the show and Aladdin (Amie Wallace) managed to avoid execution and finished up marrying Ki Lee, thanks to the clever intervention of the genial Genie (Amanda Vickers).

Although this village hall has a small stage the actions on it were well choreographed and the performance had good pace. The cast were colourfully costumed and related well to the large audience. Congratulations to Steph Barrett on her very successful directing debut. Local people and others from the neighbourhood who strongly supported this annual event were definitely rewarded with first class entertainment and left the venue in a jolly mood. The festive season had begun! Happy Christmas! 

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