Aladdin

Promenade Productions

Aladdin

As seen by: Frankie Telford on January 18th 2018

Director & Choreographer: Heather M Newman                            

Musical Director: Paul Hardy

Assistant Choreographer: Kate Williams

The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham

I liked this revised version of the Alan P. Frayn Pantomime; it was up to date and slightly shorter.  There were all the expected Pantomime elements Dame; good and evil characters; the not very bright one; the young man interested in a young lady above his station; lots of colourful costumes; and plenty of audience participation.

As always with this company they had hired in beautifully painted backcloths.  The set dressing had been well thought out and was well used.  The stage crew worked efficiently to give swift scene changes.  The lighting was well cued and showed the sets to good advantage and created good atmosphere.  It also enhanced all the lovely costumes and makeup.

There were many well-executed routines from the dancers.  The choreography by Heather Newman and Kate Williams, and had been tailored to suit the dancers, with the opening number getting the show off to a good start.  I enjoyed the choice of music for this production and MD Paul Hardy had taught the songs well and accompanied the singing sympathetically.  The performers and audience were enjoying the music.

The sound effects were all well cued and appropriate, the waterfall was very effective.  Although there were one or two problems with microphones, they were mostly well-operated and the balance was good. 

Everyone worked well together, with the chorus giving good support to the action.  On this opening night I felt there was a degree of hesitancy and holding back but confidence grew as the show progressed.

There were some lovely moments in this Pantomime, a few of my favourite were the opening dance certainly set the scene and feel for China; there were good freezes when Abanazar and the Spirit of the Ring were in conversation; the whole of the Cave scene from when he arrives outside the cave, to finding the treasure and the spirits of the cave who were guarding it, their choral speaking was excellent.  Heather Newman had worked well with her cast encouraging good characterization and use of the stage.  It was a traditional family pantomime, full of interesting music, silly jokes and plenty of colourful costumes.  The audience, particularly the Brownies certainly seemed to be enjoying it.  It was a good evening’s entertainment.

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