Aladdin

For a brief but enjoyable time, a little corner of a Newcastle suburb was transported to old Peking by Walkerville Musical Society’s recent production of their Christmas pantomime Aladdin. It’s a small venue but the company makes the most of the facilities. A energetic and welcome live band underscores the singing and dancing and provides atmosphere to match that on the stage. The plot zips along satisfyingly, punctuated by some well-known but well-loved gags. The cast is enthusiastic and animated: special mention must go to (Dame) Alan Tomkins, a tour-de-farse of bluster, corny jokes and emotional fervour; Ken Richardson’s Abanazer (with a gift for the occasional ad-lib and off-piste aside); Mark Taylor’s Wishee Washee, full of character and engaging and Diane Girdlestone is good as Aladdin (and what a nice singing voice); David Parrack does an entertaining Genie with a nice line in dead-pan. There are plenty of other talented actors and dancers (Jenny and Jan Boothroyd do a great job as the policemen) and the youngsters especially are a delight to watch. The cast, crew and management can be proud of their production. No wonder they got an enthusiastic response from the auditorium.

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