Aladdin

On a cold damp January evening I can think of nothing nicer than to be surrounded by the warmth of the reception from the Front of House team  at Clevedon CTC, and then to watch a talented team of people working  hard to entertain, bringing song, dance, comedy and traditional pantomime to the fortunate audience.

It was the first night and although nerves played a part in a few ‘wobbles’ in the early part of the show, when the cast  got fully into their stride this was a very good pantomime from Clevedon CTC.

A good script ensured continuity and the club had put together a talented cast and entertaining music and songs, with memorable additional music written by the MD Grahame Osborn.

 The set was well designed with lots of interesting detail, and excellent props complemented the attractive set.

The costumes were attractive and  worn well by the cast and my only adverse comment would be the amazing bosoms of Widow Twanky were just  so large they made him rather  unbalanced in his many costumes( although his hugging of people to his chest was very funny)

The lighting was more adventurous than past productions and was good and the special effects worked well. I liked the downward shot of smoke with different coloured lights for the entrance of Abanazer and the Genie of the Lamp.

There were lots of touches in this show that demonstrated the thought process of the director... The scene with the panda in the washing machine, dryer and mangle made me laugh out loud as did the James Bond touches in Abanazer’s lair...great!  But where was the magic carpet?  (Scene 8 in the programme)

The music, from a small combo was good, sympathetic to the soloists and never too loud.  The singing from the company was tuneful and confident and there were some very good voices among the principals’ notably Aladdin and Princess Jasmine and Abanazer.

 Entertaining ballet from the speciality dancers was very pretty and movement from the company was good.

The ‘wobbles’ at the start of the show came from a lack of confidence and pace particularly in dialogue between Sergeant Ping and The Emperor they halted the flow of the story and caused a number of prompts.

 Overall the principal were all good, confident and talented Aladdin was the glue that held the show together with very good performances from the Genie of the Lamp, Wishee Washee, Abanazer and the lovely Panda (Nobby)   I really liked Abanazer...he looked wonderful.... and I really liked him but  think perhaps I should have hated him!  Couldn’t BOO Hiss he was too nice!

This pantomime was well directed  by Jane Bull with some clever moments, I look forward to next year.

 I, my guest and the rest of the audience had a really entertaining evening, we all participated when asked and the reception and applause at the finale told its own story.

Thank you for your welcome hospitality. 

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