Aladdin

‘Aladdin’ is a popular pantomime and this version was full of eastern promise, with fun, frolics, song, dance and magic, telling the story of Aladdin and his journey of finding true love with Princess Mandarin, the daughter of the Emperor of Peking, until the wicked wizard Abanazer tricks her to handing over the magic lamp.  As the adventure unfolds, Aladdin comes to the rescue and they all get their wishes granted.  Gayle Reid performed faultlessly as Aladdin and was well paired with Morgan Sloan who sang beautifully as Princess Mandarin.  Playing dame, Bill McCloy took to the stage in his usual style portraying the conniving Widow Twankee donning the expected outrageous costumes.  Eddie Gouther never missed an opportunity to engage with the audience in providing a highly entertaining performance as Wishee Washee, with intent of wooing So-Shy, appropriately played by Karry McKellar.  Liam McKinstray commanded the stage as the intimidating Abanazer, Colin Archibald made a fine Emperor and Giovanna Tweedie and Helen McAleer were well paired as Yu-Dun-Wong and Hu-Dun-Pong providing the predictable level of humor!  Linda Gouther made a very graceful Spirit of the lamp which contrasted well with Cat Gemmell’s entertaining Genie, or should I say Isa of the lamp who was definitely ‘still game’!  Choreography was well pitched and the children with the citizens of Peking, spirits of the cave and laundry workers performed to the usual standard.  The pantomime was well costumed with vibrant colours and the finale walk down was a reminder that Christmas was now only around the corner.  This was a great family pantomime which incorporated great visual comedy, slapstick and audience participation.

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