Aladdin

The Barnfield Theatre was packed even though it was the day before Christmas Eve and people were no doubt very busy with last-minute tasks before the festivities.  The pantomime was being staged over a demanding sixteen performances spanning Christmas yet there was no absence of energy on stage - the performance was fresh and exciting.  Having a youthful production team of directors, musical director and choreographer surely contributed to this zest and exuberance.

As seems to be the present-day choice Aladdin was played by a young man, not a principal boy.  This does at times make telling the two brothers apart more difficult but the casting was good and the actor made an impressive Aladdin.   His brother Wishee Washee enthusiastically encouraged the responses from the audience and a great deal of fun was had.  Their mother Widow Twankey made quite a seductive figure with superb makeup and elaborate hair and many different stylish and outlandish costumes.  No man was safe from her !  

Abanazar is the embodiment of evil.  He needs to gain the trust of the rather naive Aladdin so that he can trick him.  This was achieved and it almost seemed as if Abanazar would win the day.  This Abanazar looked and sounded most authentic, terrifying the young and not so young in the time-honored way of pantomime.  The Genie of the Lamp was played by a young man with lots of attitude making an excellent contrast with the very feminine, but somewhat aggrieved Spirit of the Ring. 

The all-powerful and short-tempered Emperor of China made an impressive figure inspiring fear in all his subjects.  His daughter the beautiful Princess Jasmine who longed to be free of palace restraints was charmingly played.  This contrasted well with the strong appearance of  So Shy, the Princess's handmaiden/friend who was a most resourceful character able to try her hand at almost anything.

Apanda Holden was a popular character especially with the children in the audience.  Great fun for this actor to don an animal costume but it must have made for a very warm evening.  The strength of a pantomime often lies in the commitment shown by the ensemble - they dress the stage and  play the part of villagers, friends or whatever the script demands.  This small chorus of adults and young people admirably fulfilled their various roles adding much to the quality of the production.   

Many of the traditions of pantomime were maintained in this production and yet  there was a modern buoyant feel which the audience very much enjoyed.    The humour was at times quite naughty but in the best possible way it greatly amused the adults and went right over the heads of the children.   The Twelve Takeaways of Christmas was very entertaining with the characters racing around at the stage at breakneck pace gathering the various items.  

So much of the delight of pantomime, especially for children,  lies in the illusion that clever staging and special effects can create.  The magic carpet that transported them to Egypt indeed seemed to have magical powers, floating above the stage as the scene ended.  The scenery, which had been designed and constructed by members of the club, was colourful and evocative.  This combined with the attractive and colourful costumes helped to make the pantomime exciting for the audience.

Some additional music had been composed by the musical director and was it upbeat and fun with some lovely singing.   It was great to see how amused the band were by the various crazy happenings on stage.   The sound was good and all dialogue was clear.  The lighting was atmospheric and added much to the enjoyment.  Special effects were exciting and worked well.

In these days when so much entertainment is available without even leaving our homes it is a great achievement to fill a theatre for so many performances.  Well done Exeter Little Theatre Company  for giving us all an evening to remember.

 

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