Aladdin

A very good evening's entertainment, well-written and directed by Josh Thompson, his first foray into both areas of a production.

I felt that if anything, it was a bit too well done, I missed the sometime chaos and over the top rudeness of an adult panto, and felt we were a bit short-changed in respect of audience participation!  That said, it had a cohesive storyline, performed by a good cast who obviously enjoyed the production.  Some of the jokes were traditional, others more contemporary, accompanied by some good tunes that we all knew.

The sound was good throughout, as was lighting. I was particularly impressed with the lighting in the cave scene, and when the Vizier made his long journey from the village to the cave.

I liked the choreography, good to see nicely danced numbers, but could perhaps have been a bit more saucy!

Costumes were good, they looked fresh and colourful.

The evening started with a rousing overture, performed with enthusiasm by MD James Driver and his band, getting us into the mood. The music was well-chosen, the opening to Act 1 was good, with plenty of volume from the cast, good opening to Act 2 as well.

 

I loved the disenchanted Fairy Godmother, played with great energy by Katy Elliott. The premise she was in the wrong panto and sat in the audience, just interjecting from time to time, gave a different dimension to the action. Nice one!

I also loved the stage manager's managing of backcloths and props, played with resignation by Lynda Fagan. The bringing in of props with a sprinkle of glitter, and getting the wrong cloths for the scene, all added to the fun.  A shame we didn't get a magic carpet scene, I would loved to have seen how Lynda Fagan managed that!

Deborah Cheshire as the Jeanie, brought a delightfully fresh take to the character, with nods to Julie Walters and Catherine Tate, but so cleverly done, a great portrayal, and very unexpected. An outstanding performance.

The Dame gave Josh Thompson a chance to show off his acting and singing talents, a good Dame, but not too intrusive. Coupled with his good script and direction, a triumph for this young man.  Not too over the top in his portrayal, but all very accomplished, with great costumes and wigs.... oh, and boots!  His direction was well-thought out too.

Anna Woods gave us a good energetic Aladdin, I thoroughly enjoyed her performance, and she created a good relationship with Bianca Lupescu as Jasmine, amongst the naughty bits to their relationship.  Jasmine's reactions to her parents more lovey dovey moments were well done too.

Ben Jaggers was the Grand Vizier, a great part for him, where he could be very sly and evil, which the audience loved, booing him was all part of the enjoyment of the evening.  Great characterisation, Ben always pulls it out of the bag!

Willie Washee gave Janine Wall the chance to deliver some silly lines very well, I thought she created a really fun character, and I loved her relationship with her Mum.

Jasmine’s parents Sheilk Yabooty and Sheik Senora were the creations of Robin Edwards and Debbie Cavanagh, they interacted well and gave us (and Jasmine) some cringe-worthy moments – great fun.

Jordan Barnes and Nico Bamford created the crime-fighting duo with vigour and good interaction between themselves and the audience.

The ensemble of Chloe Whitney, Alish Brennan, Andy Whittamore, Jo Herd and Laurence Sims added weight to the ensemble numbers, which also used the principals where possible – so we got a good sound and lively movement on stage.

The finale was good – plenty of energy and confidence, leaving us with that feel good factor.

All in all a superior Adult panto, with a strong cast, perhaps a little too perfect in some ways, but very enjoyable, a good evening’s entertainment.

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