Aladdin

Dryburn Theatrical Workshop’s 2020 pantomime: Aladdin is one of the best known and most retold of all fairy tales, the first recorded version of the pantomime was performed in 1788, originally set in China the story has been retold over the years with its most famous storey adapted in the animated film by Walt Disney in 1992, but I was pleased to read in the lovely illustrated programme that the author Tom Whalley had stuck to the original Chinese origin; although the story did take the cast to Egypt where the story is more associated with.  This is the sixth pantomime that the group has performed by the author Tom Whalley and whilst a great friend to the group I can understand why this group and other societies keep returning to this author, his pantomimes are well written and take on a musical comedy element, they include all the ingredients of family entertainment with all the sparkle and humour that is associated with the traditional magic of pantomimes and as a result they reach out and entertain audiences of all ages. Director Michelle Coulson is no stranger to directing and whether it is a musical production, play or a pantomime her commitment and drive is evident from the overall performance she creates, her trade mark of lavish sets and colourful costumes ensures that the audience leaves the theatre thoroughly entertained. Brian Pennick oversaw the musical element of the production, and for this production a lovely choice of musical numbers were chosen which suited both the vocals of the cast and the pantomime. Choreography was in the capable hands of Helen Wilson who created some great movement and choreographed dance routines; I loved the Jai Ho routine it looked fantastic very authentic and the opening of act two which was very lively. The Costumes provided by Alan Graham Costumes looked authentic and visually took this pantomime to another level; especially the finale costumes all in gold they looked fantastic. Well done to the production team the set looked fantastic and the range of cloths certainly created the ambiance and feel for each scene provided by Border Studios, well done to Paul Scott Stage Manager and the stage crew who ensured that the quick scene changes were seamless and never interrupted the flow of the production, Martin Warden and Craig Holt from Hi Lights who ensured that the sound and lighting were perfect; I loved the lighting plot it certainly made the production come to life and finally to the front of house team and Darren Dyson who certainly made me feel welcomed.

The production opened in the Valley of the Kings with a great fanfare of characters and dancers to the musical number “When You Go To Peking” vocally performed by Pete Johnson and the Company; a fantastic opening. Playing the title role was Katherine Saunders as Aladdin; confident characterisation and a convincing performance by this young actress; vocally I enjoyed her musical numbers especially the magic carpet scene number “Can’t Stop The Feeling” with Gary, Libby and the chorus which was confidently delivered. Emma Scott delivered a stand out performance as Princess Jasmine; fantastic stage presence and her costumes certainly enhanced her character, lovely interaction with other cast members and her musical numbers were delivered with passion and clarity especially “Rather Be” which was beautifully sang and brilliantly supported by the dancers and her duet “Written in the Stars” with Katherine. Joseph Coulson delivered a stand out performance as Wishee Washee; Joe has a natural ability when it comes to interacting with the audience, he has great comic timing, which he uses to his best ability and I loved his contribution in the panto’s 12 days of takeaways with Lee, Karen and Laura, I also enjoyed the scenes with the fart machine; Wok-a palaver which was a new addition for me in a pantomime and I’m told that the writer even painted the rivets on the machine to make it look authentic, vocally I l enjoyed Joe’s contribution with Lee the chorus and dancers to the musical number “Proud Mary” for the opening of act 2.  Playing the perfect dame was  Lee Passmoor as Widow Twankey; Lee certainly has made the role of the dame his own and I loved how he works the audience and ensures that his character is the bridge between the audience and the action on stage and Lee certainly has this off to a fine art, well done Lee on a perfect polished performance; vocally I loved his musical number “Man I Feel Like A Women” performed with the dancers. Phil Martin gave us a very evil Abanazar, and very quickly had the audience booing in all the right places, lovely evil performance and great interaction with his fellow cast members, lovely delivery of his musical number “Dark Of The Night” performed with the dancers. Delivering the role of the Genie of the lamp was Gary Eglinton who delivered a confident performance and I loved the costume as did Libby Martin who delivered a delightful performance as the Slave of the Ring. Playing the inept policemen were Karen Scott as Sergeant Pong and Laura Masters as PC World both performers delivered confident performances and had superb comic timing. I enjoyed the performance from Sarah Hutchinson as So-Shy the companion and confidant of the Princess and a strong performance from Chris Coates as the Emperor of China and finally two convincing performances from Harry Vest as Oracle of the Orient and Max Weatherhead as A-Panda Holden.

A big congratulation to those cast members who compliment the principals and play an essential part in the production without these members this production would not have been such a success well done to the child ensemble Jessica Callaway, Alicia Cook, Zora Dubre and Pippa Robson; lovely characters and acting coming through. Lovely support performances from the adult ensemble; Emma Bell, Kirsty May, Annette Morris and Dawn Probert- Darkings. A big well done to the dancers who to me were fantastic well done to Victoria Clark, Hannah Cuthbertson, Nicole Blair-Foulds, Isha Dubre, Abbie Kennedy, Lucy McCabe, Abbey Rutherford, Rebecca Scott, Kaitlyn Taylor and Frances Wood.

Congratulations to Dryburn Theatrical Workshop for inviting me to join you all in celebrating another great performance, the audience certainly went home thoroughly entertained and it was great to be joined by Tom Whalley who laughed and enjoyed the whole production, well done everyone can’t wait to see you again in your next production Legally Blonde, The Musical.

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