Aladdin

The Wardens yet again treated us to a lively, upbeat panto, ’Aladdin’, with all of the tradition of panto included.

Richard Cheshire writes and directs their pantos and perform as the Dame, Widow Twankey of course in Aladdin. He manages to keep a freshness within the tale and despite us seeing the 16th performance it appeared fresh and the cast still laugh at the “off script” moments.

The set from Scenic Pantomimes was large and very colourful, and was managed very well by the back-stage crew. One of the “off script” scenes was when the dame upset the curtains to reveal the crew changing scenes (well rehearsed). The flying carpet was magical. Costumes by Wardens Theatre Company, with additional ones from Triple C and Image Theatre, were glitzy, glamorous, colourful with many changes throughout.

The whole show was lively, lots of dancing by chorus and principals alike. Lorna Lowe (choreographer) was not short of ideas to keep the show moving. There was a full theatre with an audience of all ages. Lots of chances for audience participation, especially in the ‘baby shark’ competition. The favourite ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ is always received well.

Abanazar (Alex Neil) worked alongside Nefertiti (Theresa Jones) as the ‘baddies’. Make-up and costumes contributing and enhancing their characters. Aladdin (Jordan Jones) was energetic throughout with tender songs and the spark was there between him and Princess Jasmine (Maeve Courtier-Lilley). What an excellent performance. She treated us with her lovely deep. mature voice as well as excellent dancing and acrobatics. She had Chee Ke (Laura Hughes), So Shy (Hannah Sefton) and Lotus Blossom (Lucille Richards) as her hand-maidens in support.

 Naomi Thorogood (Sprit of the Ring) was well cast with a quietly confident performance with sultry dancing. Carl Ryan had a busy time as Wishee Washee and Genie of the Lamp. There was a very clever exchange using his mobile phone, each sentence prompting another related song – exhausting for Carl but very clever.

The Emperor (Ioan Guile) is always vey popular with the audience. He played the fall guy to Widow Twankey (Richard Cheshire) with ease. Sergeant Pom Pom (Nick Allen), Constable Ping (Jordan Ainslie-Rogers) and Constable Pong (Julie McNicholls Vale) were ever ready to answer the call for law and order as well as providing a comedic element.

The children’s performance by Group 3 (The Emeralds) was lovely to watch and listen to. As The Wardens did 19 performances this required 3 groups of children to cover it, so giving lots of youngsters a chance to be part of this pantomime.

Well done everyone, a very enjoyable pantomime.

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.