ALADDIN

This was my first visit to Ruthin Panto Society and a real pleasure to visit this talented Company. Now in its fifth year, the Group is going from strength to strength. I was truly amazed when entering the auditorium how the Company had extended the area in front of the stage with platforms at different levels on to the floor, which were draped in fine silks, chests, baskets, jewellery and all manner of props pertinent to the Pantomime, Aladdin. Much thought had been paid to set design and stage crew went about their tasks unnoticed. Lighting was cleverly designed, I particularly liked the magic carpet, and with the addition of ‘lanterns’ set in specific places, the Director made full use of the space available, with stage groupings.

The cast of approximately twenty five adults were well rehearsed, and the Children of Ruthin Youth Theatre were an added bonus to the performance. The opening scene was impressive to say the least, putting us in the right mood for this Arabian story, with appropriate music and the arrival of the colourfully dressed cast. The title role, ‘Aladdin’, was in the hands of Carwyn Hughes with Becky Hughes as ‘Princess Jasmine’, both spot on in all their tasks and fully involving themselves in the piece.’ Auntie Gertie’ was played confidently by Gavyn Edwards who put his stamp on this role from his first entrance, the audience loved him. Dave Snape was very comfortable in the role of daft lad ‘Billy’, He had a great rapport with the audience, which they reacted to from the onset. James Eccleston and Louise Eccleston gave us regal contributions as ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ respectively, with the King being very negative with his script throughout which was ‘NO’, but of course he had the last word at the end with ‘YES’. This brought many laughs from the audience. Mike van der Eijk received many ‘hisses and boos’ as the evil ‘Abanazar’ but finally came good at the end as a result of a wish. Creditable debut with the Group from Kieran Smith as ‘Nick’ the thief, whilst John Wynne Hughes gave us a dependable portrayal as ‘Genie with a G’.

Good work from Emma Parry who danced and sang her way through the role of ‘Jeanie with a J’ without hesitation.

The chorus, together with Children of Ruthin Youth Theatre, were well rehearsed and disciplined in all their tasks throughout the performance and together with stunning costumes, the whole cast fully deserved the accolade they received from the enthusiastic audience. I thank you all once again for your warm welcome and I look forward to your next performance.

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