Aladdin

There was a very simple set, which maximised the space available for the actors on the small stage at the Arc. Scene changes were for the most part handled efficiently and discretely by the backstage team and the transition to the Laundry scene was particularly impressive with the large washing machine centre stage and was used to great comedic effect. Less successful perhaps was the magic carpet and its rather jolty movements.

Other than a couple of piano accompanied numbers the rest of the music was supported by a backing track which worked well, but cueing was problematic at times resulting in several unnecessary pauses while principals waited for their music to start i.e. it would have been better to fade in the intros whilst the actors were finishing their dialogue. Sound was generally good, though the Arc acoustic is pretty unforgiving for those without a mic and some of the younger voices needed more projection. Costumes were colourful and those for the Emperor, Princess Jasmine and Abanazer were particularly stunning, with sumptuous materials and braiding in golds and browns. Likewise the flower displays in Act 2 were extremely eye catching.

The large Ensemble was well deployed throughout the show and had a varied array of dances to perform, including a tap number, and the young children were a lovely addition.  My attention was drawn to one little girl who smiled throughout and was delightful to watch. Unfortunately, not all of the adults followed suit, which was a shame. When performing up beat numbers it is so important to look like you are enjoying yourself, as the feeling spreads to the audience, so more smiles would have been welcomed.

All the principals were clearly experienced panto performers and were evidently relishing their roles.

There were plenty of jokes and puns in Angela Giddings script to keep the audience amused, with one young boy behind me declaring them as ‘classic’. The very first scene involved sweets being given to the audience, which was welcomed by the many children in the audience and also the adults, who were happily not missed out. This pantomime had all the right ingredients of a classic pantomime; with opportunities to join in aplenty by booing, shouting and singing along.

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