Aladdin

“Aladdin” one of the traditional pantos was chosen by Hook Players this year.  Set in Old Peking, it's classic panto with twists and turns, witty writing, cross dressing characters, a baddie and the audience’s friend in the shape of Wishee Washee and of course the community singing in the form of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree”. 

The set was a good representation of the town square in Old Peking, some gorgeous flats for the Palace (fabulous paintings of a vase and a Chinese dragon) and colourful use of drapes for Aladdin’s Palace in Thar Desert. The washing machine and mangle in Twankey’s laundrette deserve a special mention.      

All the costumes were of the highest quality; there was good attention to detail in ensuring each character was appropriately dressed. A lot of thought had gone into the use of costume and hair to emphasise the personality of the characters. Window Twankey had some brilliant outfits and wigs.

The lighting was well controlled. The lighting  when the jewel box was open was particularly effective.  

The essential characterisations of each cast member was good. There were some strong performances, notably from Graeme Cooper as Abanazer who had great energy and comic timing as did John Hamshare as Widow Twankey.  Josh Davies, was full of fun making his debut as Wishee Washee,  and will be a great asset to the group.

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