Aladdin

Firstly I was saddened to hear the passing of Graham Lord. Graham was a great Dame for St Pauls, also an ardent member of St Pauls, taking leads in many of their plays over the years. A sad loss for St Pauls.

AAmazing Costumes, LLovely Props, AA joy to watch, DDirected with thought, DDance movement simple but effective, Ina on Prompt (only thing I could think with an I) NNice evening's entertainment.

Directors Mel Newman and Sam Digby together with Irene Gardiner as Musical Director gave this Aladdin a sense of wellbeing, in the way they chose their cast. Leading the cast, John Endicott as widow Twanky, with Aladdin Steph Healey gave us classy performances, as did Wishy Washey (Adam Wigmore), working their audience. Paul Harris and Sally Murphy gave us great comedy as Yu-Dun-Wong and Ho-Dun-Pong - excellent characterisation these two had, between them, holding their accents throughout. Kelly Harrington as Spirit of the Ring - beautiful voice. Derek Elmore gave us a sturdy Genie of the Lamp. Abanaza Nick Swain: what a performance, he had the perfect balance for this horrible part and the kids hated him. The Royal Household: Princess Mandarin Emmer Everett, So Shy Janine Davis and The Empress Lorraine Camp were teamed well together, a touch of class from the Royals.

Ensemble parts were played by Robyne Harris, Marion Marshall, Jayme Newell, Colin Parker, John Selmes, Keith Jackson, Victor Maynard, Martin Newell, Sylvia Parry, Sharron Turner, Steve Manning, Kathy Milner, Poppy Newell, Tanith Rudd and Clare Watton: all gave this Alladdin a purpose. Well done, but please smile a little more. First night nerves crept in in places and a few technical problems, but all in all a nice Aladdin from St Pauls. Good luck with Fiddler on the Roof …..

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