Aladdin

Aladdin needs no introduction.  Its origins go back over two hundred years and I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen it, both as a child and with my own children. Now I’m enjoying the experience all over again as a NODA Rep. I am assuming this particular version was an in house collaboration although I can see no reference to a scriptwriter in the programme. 

I always look forward to visiting this society where members not only tread the boards but are encouraged to use their particular skills, or try out new ones as part of a production team, whether it be directing, choreographing, making scenery, etc.  This, of course is what amateur theatre is truly about.

There were lots of good performances in this production and it was obvious that the cast was enjoying every minute as were we in the audience.  Sian Cripps, as Abanazer, introduced the proceedings, getting the audience, especially the children, on side and giving a strong performance throughout. Charlie Morton-Moody was well cast as the Emperor with Alex Rodwell as Slave, forever being elbowed by his master and falling to his knees. This was hilarious, with no harm done – I hope!

It’s a brave man who takes on the role of the dame and not everyone can pull it off.  Lewis Simington however, rose to the challenge and was a great Widow Twankey. Her two sons were well played by Reece Hannigan in the title role of Aladdin and Sophie Street as Wishy-Washy.   

Paige Mylechreest made a charming Jasmine and Jay Peters can be justifiably pleased with his performance as Genie of the Lamp.  I look forward to seeing these two new members in future productions.

Billie Allen was Genie of the Ring and Graeme Johnston and Sam Barker made a good comedy pairing as Captain Li and Private Parts.  Gemma Harrison is someone with many talents and here she was not only Mr Ling but also popped up as Shifty Louis and Ling. Well done to her.

A good comedy duo really is the icing on the cake and the society is fortunate to have the home grown talents of Denise Harriss and Becca Neal who were absolutely brilliant as Ali and Baba. Slick ad libbing, terrific comedy timing and the ability to engage with the audience kept us all in fits of laughter. My congratulations to both.  

There was a strong supporting cast of adults and dancers, and a host of charming young people too numerous to mention individually.  Well done to all of them.  Choreography was good as it always is with this society and there was an imaginative choice of songs.  The scenery was well thought out and worked well, with slick scene changes.

My only criticism is that from where I was sitting in Row D the band was far too loud and drowned out a lot of the singing, rather than the vocals being to the fore.  I understand this was not necessarily the case further back in the auditorium so maybe it was a matter of balance.

That aside, this was a lovely production.  Well done to all involved.  

Thank you for inviting me and for your hospitality.

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