Aladdin

I was warmly welcomed at Front of House by Julia Clarke who was the Musical Director for the production. Just before the performance started an announcement was made that Ray Sharp, who was due to play the Emperor Sing Lo had been taken ill and had withdrawn from the entire production. Much credit to the Director, cast and others who had adapted the script at the very last moment to omit this character.

The pantomime opened in Old Beijing with a striking backdrop, fabulous costumes and good lighting effects. We were quickly introduced to Su Shi, the Spirit of the Lamp (Phoebe Wiggett) and the Genie (Steve Salmon) both of whom played strong and important roles. The three dancers, Emma Beadle, Hayley Hyde and Nicola Heap, were well rehearsed in their routines and made good use of the stage area.

Widow Twankey (Peter Norfolk) made a boisterous entrance, with Wishee Washee (Richie Coat) and Aladdin (Ashlea Moore) very well cast ! Peter was a classic panto dame with a good voice (Hanky Panky) and a commanding stage presence. Ashlea was a spirited Aladdin, falling in love with the Princess Jasmine ( Jade Kennedy ) An ideal pairing with great vocals and a sensitive duet.

Wishee Washee was the typical “fall guy”, larking around and causing much laughter from the audience who loved his antics. Fu Fu was a panda, expertly played by Alex Norfolk making his debut in a named part. Well done !

Abanaza, played by Sam McCarthy, was truly evil and soon had the audience booing and hissing in true panto style. This was a tremendous performance by Sam and his costume was magnificent. I really liked Tutankhamun, played by Steve Church, as Abanaza’s henchman, carrying out his master’s orders in a fawning and evil way. Great actions from Steve.

Katie Johnson had a big role as Empress Sing Hi and impressed. She coped very well without the Emperor alongside her.

Kong(Jade Eden) and Hong (Roger Weeley) had important roles as the funny duo moving the action forward and the audience enjoyed their capers.

Tu Shy, the handmaiden, was played by Hayley Hyde with Lizzie Chappel coming on as the Mummy.

Alison Wright and Douglas Garner were the adult chorus with a delightful junior chorus of Ben, Alanis, Kezia, Katie and Lille-mae. All were so obviously enjoying being part of the panto and their movements and actions were very good.

The finale and walkdown to “Friend Like Me” was rousing and a fitting climax to a lovely evening.

The backdrops throughout were amazing and really portrayed the various scenes with the minimum of changes. Congratulations to Company Stage Manager, Nicola Heap, assisted by Tara Welham, Marcus Nixon and an army of stage crew ! Lighting and sound effects and systems throughout were most effective and added to the general scenes. Costumes, hair and makeup by Chris Bareham and Janet Ross were elaborate and rich in colour and style and created a fabulous effect on stage.

Choreography was imaginative but not over complicated thanks to Jennifer Richardson and Dance Captain, Nicola Heap .

The songs selected added greatly to the script and all the singing was well directed by Musical Director Julia Clarke.

Finally, many congratulations to Director, Jennifer Richardson for her creativity and flair resulting in an excellent production by this very talented group.

Well done to everyone involved in any way. The audience really enjoyed the panto and I certainly did !

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