ALADDIN

A good, honest mostly traditional pantomime, with good music choices that were a little different.

I enjoyed the production, despite seeing it twice on the same day, because there were two casts of young people.  Always interesting to see the differences between the two performances, and not just the ad libs!!  The Director, Tim Hayden, gave the entire cast plenty to do, and they all integrated well.  It was also nice that he chose to have two sets of real youngsters, and then two sets of ‘inbetweenies’, filling the gap between young and adult.  The entire ensemble performed well, and both sets of youngsters were very engaging.  The two youngest members of Team Stop and Team Search (Elodie Ramsey and Effie Desborough) were definitely ‘chips off the old block’, performing their socks off throughout. 

Lighting was good, there were some very nice effects, I loved the yellow spot on the lamp, and the effects in the cave and the roof of the world.  The Open Sesame effect was good too.  Diamonds in the Sky was particularly good in the 4 p.m. performance.

Sound was mostly good, the balance between tracks and stage was good throughout.

Costumes were colourful, loved the Dame’s frocks, very outrageous, with good wigs.  The hats for Abanazar and Aba Banana were both very inventive and looked good. I liked the all white theme for the finale, and the youngsters harem outfits, they looked lovely.  Costumes for the cave dance were simple but sparkly and extravagant looking.

Choreography from Kyra Spratley kept the cast on their toes, but they all seemed comfortable with what they had to do, it was modern, but still in keeping with the traditional feel.  I particularly liked the dance in the cave.

I thought it was shame there was no live band, I can understand why, but missed the immediacy of live accompaniment, however Ellie Fromow had coached the singers well and mostly they blended with the chosen songs.  

I was very impressed with both Grace Johnson and Nyasha Chikore, who both played Aba Banana – two very different portrayals, but both extremely expressive, and confident, very well done.

Grace Collins and Jessica Woods shared the part of Nutz the Monkey, giving it their own characterisation, but both very good.

Saxon Hayden and Liam Bonner as the comedy duo Sergeant Stop and Corporal Search, both got the real comedic feel, created a good onstage relationship, and gave us loads of energy – well achieved.

Paul Rogers was a very full-on Twankey, making the most of all opportunities to interact with the audience and the rest of the cast – a good traditional Dame in every sense of the word.

Another person who literally threw himself into the part was Paul Ramsey as the Genie – a very enthusiastic portrayal, that really suited both him and the part.  Again nicely costumed, and he was able to show off his vocal abilities.

Aladdin was played well by Laurence Simms, showing the dreamer that he was, but also his passion for the Princess, and at the same time able to give rein to his rather good singing voice!

I liked Hannah Synan-Jones as Jasmine, the Princess who stole Aladdin’s heart, she gave a charming performance.

Luke Murphy was a suitably nasty Abanazar, again the costume portrayed the character well, and Luke managed the audience booing him with aplomb.  I liked his relationship with both Aba Banana’s.

Wishee Washee was portrayed with Nico Bamford’s usual gaiety and light-heartedness, reacting well with the audience and cast, a good part for Nico.

Peri Lynn was a stern but understanding Sultana, ordering her subjects around with authority, but unbending when dealing with Jasmine. 

Sweet and Sour, Jasmine’s handmaidens were played by Kyra Spratley and Cheryl Desborough.  I loved their diverse characters – Sweet rather dim, some great one liners, and Sour very much the upper hand, know-it-all part of the relationship – their song in the Palace was very good.  A pairing that I enjoyed watching.

I liked the magic carpet scene – it looked quite real, and the music was a nice choice for Aladdin and Jasmine, very romantic.

The finale was very lively, I enjoyed it, and left feeling good – so thank you to everyone involved.

Altogether a very acceptable, well-directed and performed panto, with plenty of traditional bits, and some contemporary nods as well. 

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