Aladdin

I enjoy the theme of ‘Aladdin’ and the opportunities it affords in travelling from the Middle East - Egypt in this version - to the completely different culture of China.  The Entertainers always present an impressive array of costumes and this pantomime was no exception. They were super and looked authentic for both locations, and the finale wedding costumes were quite splendid.

The opening chorus number in Peking was colourful, simply choreographed and well rehearsed and the choice of music throughout was enjoyable and catchy - I particularly liked ‘If You Want to be my Lover’.

The evil Abanazer played by Steve Smith got the audience booing from the start and he looked very much the part with his black and gold costume and a beard.

As the Spirit of the Ring, Michelle Wall, wearing a super plum and gold outfit, played her part in bringing light and goodness into the story and she did it well.

Ellen Marie Ruby made a good Aladdin and his/her brother Wishee Washee was played with enthusiasm by Dylan Harvey.

The stars of the pantomime however were Anwen and Neale in their respective roles of Hu Don Pong and Yu Don Wong. They were brilliant, bounced off each other as though they’d been doing it for years - their timing was first rate. I loved their scooters and the blue flashing lights on their hats.

Mike was suitably regal as The Emperor of China and made some very amusing local references to the four girls So-Shy, So Nice, Su-Shee and Su-Doko.

What wonderful names Alan Frayn came up with for this pantomime!

These four girls were secure in their roles as the Princess’s handmaidens/confidantes and their dialogue could be clearly heard.

As Widow Twankey, Craig Entwistle gave a good ‘Dame’ performance and the scene in the laundry when Wishee Washee comes out ‘shrunken’ was hilarious.

Neve Lawler was charming as Princess Mandarin and as the Genie of the Lamp, Daniel Milton, with his little routine each time he appeared, was most engaging.

Scenery was good and the lanterns enhanced the Chinese theme in Peking.

The Magic Carpet flying in ultra- violet light was brilliant! (no pun intended!)

I didn’t feel that the ‘Spirits in the Cave’ added anything to the scene –their constant waving of arms was distracting. Perhaps a freeze at appropriate moments would have worked better with the movements more timed and related to what was happening on stage.

Impressive notices with Chinese characters added to the takeaway scene and there were lots of local references which were very funny, as were the Abba ones.

The sound and lighting were good.

The ladies make up was very mixed – I believe I’ve mentioned this before. Some of them looked quite poorly under the stage lights, particularly the handmaidens who all needed to brighten up their faces with blusher.

There was a large contingent of children and they entered into the spirit of pantomime enthusiastically. It’s good to see so many of them involved.

I enjoyed ’Aladdin’ and found the first act especially amusing.

Well-done Rachel on your foray into direction – hard work but so rewarding!

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