Aladdin

Sunderland Theatre Company chose Aladdin to showcase their first pantomime, performed in Deptford and Millfield Community Centre under the Direction of the group’s resident Director Brian Leech, this traditional pantomime included every ingredient that is expected in a pantomime but with Brian there is always a twist and something different and Aladdin certainly had its special moments. I loved the use of pyrotechnics for the scenes with the Genie and the spirit of the Ring and the ultra violet lighting was visually excellent to simulate the flying carpet. However, for me the audience pleaser was how with the use of a smoke screen wishee washee went into the washing machine and Little Wishee appeared its these details for me that makes Sunderland Theatre Company’s shows visually great to review.
I also loved the range of musical numbers which supported the story, these were well chosen, modern and perfectly suited to a pantomime and the delivery was excellent. There were also some excellent pieces of choreography created by  Brian and Megan Crooks, I particularly enjoyed Megan’s interpretation and dance routine to the musical number  “Jai Ho” visually this well delivered, and colourful and the audience certainly appreciated it. Praise must also go to the  production team, good  quality sound and lighting and the costumes certainly enhanced the production and were to a high standard especially Widow Twankey’s range of clothing, the set looked fantastic considering the size of the stage excellent cloths which were bright and colourful. Finally I must mention Angela Crooks for her support to the group with scenery items and costumes these looked fantastic and certainly enhanced the whole production.

The principals were all well cast and took the audience on a wonderful and magical journey, Nathan Dippie  as Widow Twankey the pantomime dame, was excellent he dominated the stage every time he appeared and had an  excellent rapport with the audience, great vocals especially with his musical numbers “ I’m  A Women”, “Big Spender” and “I Gotta Feeling” well done a confident performance. His son Wishee Washee was superbly played by Mathew Clarke he delivered his character with lots of energy and enthusiasm and kept the production moving at good pace, again interacted well with the audience and I enjoyed his musical numbers “The Birdy Song” and “Ghostbusters”. Derek Crooks played the part of the sinister and evil Abanazar, he ensured that he coupled the right amount of nastiness to have the audience booing and hissing every time he appeared on stage, excellent costume and loved his musical number “Trouble”. A superb polished performance by Ashlee Bentham as Aladdin poised, perfect diction and great vocals I loved her musical number “Dancing in the Dark” and “The Magic Carpet”. Gabrielle Smith delivered a fantastic Princess Yasmine this young lady has a lot of potential great stage presence and beautiful vocals I loved her musical interpretation “From this Moment” beautifully delivered. Her father the Emperor of China was confidently played by Kristan Bailey and there was a great performance from Lois Smith as Zing Zong and Milly Maddison as So Shy the Princesses aids. There were also confident performance from Luke Riley as Vizier and Daisey Pringle as Sergeant Wong again some nice acting coming through. Bouncing off each other as only they could was Jorden Hildrew and Sam Midwood as PC Ping and Pong excellent comic timing and good stage presence. The Spirit of the Ring was confidently played by Becky Courtney, good characterisation and stage presence and I enjoyed her musical number with the Genie of the Lamp and the chorus “A Kind of Magic”. Daniel Dryden’s interpretation of the Genie of the Lamp was well delivered great voice and stage presence and he looked fantastic in his costume. For me the star of the show was played by Archie Rodgerson as Little Wishee the audience adored him and for been so young he showed no signs of nervousness and enjoyed every minute on stage well done Archie and I hope to see you again on stage.

The chorus consisting of Janice Farrow, Linda Fowler, Samantha Kennedy, Abbie Patterson, Joe Patterson, Margaret Sherrington and Meggan Tansey  all were fundamental to the production and supported the principals and delivered some great vocals to the musical numbers. The panto song was well delivered and well handled and I loved the musical number “If I were Not In Pantomime” I have never laughed as much in my life excellently delivered and well received by the audience, comedy at its best

Overall an enjoyable performance excellent standard of acting good interacting with the audience, everyone is to be congratulated for presenting a highly entertaining and enjoyable production from the beginning to end. Well done to everyone involved and congratulations on you first pantomime and I am looking forward to seeing you next venture.

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