Aladdin

When I visit Crewkerne I am always made very welcome by CUDOS so thank you to everyone concerned.

Aladdin is a great pantomime to do as there is so much that can be put into it. Ben Crocker Pantomimes scripts are excellent and CUDOS did it so well making every gag count!

The set was done very well indeed particularly the cave scene which was very effective.

The costumes were colourful and rich looking, and the band really sounded great!

Aladdin came over well and took the role in her stride along with Princess Jasmine They complemented each other well. Widow Twankey had some very unusual hats to accompany his costumes that looked really comical, all helping to engage the audience He moved around the stage with ease and confidence.

Wishee Washee had the audience eating out of his hand and really got them going. He was full of energy and gave it his all!

Sgt Ping and PC Pong had wonderful police uniforms with helmets to match, with flashing blue lights that helped with the comedy. Their delivery and timing were very good indeed and with some super jokes that almost stole the show. A cracking double act!

Nobby the Panda must have been great fun to perform and although it must have been very hot under the costume, it was a great performance with facial expressions and moves to match!

Abanazer, obviously enjoyed his role immensely with menacing looks, a wicked laugh and a gruff and menacing voice which he maintained throughout. No mean feat!   He took command of the stage throughout his performance

The Empress was clearly in command but needed a little more of a fanfare on her entrances that would have helped raise awareness of her royal status and importance.  Despite that, once on and performing, she left no doubt.

It was refreshing to see a female Genie of the Lamp and she did it with aplomb and relish! Along with Genie of the Ring, the magic pair did a great job!

The dancers were excellent and it’s a credit to them along with the choreographer, Sarah Elliott, that they moved so well on stage  

This version of Aladdin was performed well but you cannot do it without a strong chorus good staging and a good production team. CUDOS had all that, together with good sound helped by MD Lucy Singleton and directors Chantelle Souttar & Richard Walters.

Congratulations to all concerned on a super well-rounded Panto in the time-honoured tradition. a great treat on a cold dark winter’s night.

Graham Liverton Regional Councillor NODA Southwest

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.