Aladdin

A traditional panto in a village hall is the perfect start to the Christmas season.  The hall was full and the audience ready to boo and cheer and generally join in.  We had been greeted when we arrived by a friendly Chinese Dragon which had set the mood for the evening. 

The energy and pace kept the panto buzzing along.  There was some lovely confident singing of mostly just a few verses which didn't slow the action and left us wanting more, always a good idea!  Plenty of slapstick and jokes and interaction with the audience kept us involved in this story we know so well.  The interval was upon us before we realised it.  

The costumes had been well planned with lots of bright colours.  The makeup team are to be congratulated,  particularly for Abanazar's makeup which was superb.   The set depicting the village was beautifully designed and colourful.  I would imagine the children in the audience found it quite magical.  A fabulous introduction to theatre for them.  

Live musical accompaniment makes such a difference, and the two musicians, in costume,  were persuaded by Wishee Washee to come on stage for the community song "Is this the way to use a Brillo".   The song was just long enough for us to air our lungs and laugh at our efforts.

Lighting and sound were in safe hands and added to the enjoyment and magic of the panto.  Set changes happened behind the curtain and a few feet from where I was sitting but without any discenible sound.

The casting was just right.  Abanazar had great presence and was just sufficiently nasty and frightening.  The graceful Spirit of the Ring,  exuded kindness, and a gentle strength of purpose.  Aladdin and Princess Mandarin, two young ladies who looked so good together and sang beautifully.  So-Shy, this was a strong performance, and I was surprised to see in the programme that this is her first stage appearance.    Wishee Washee, full of fun encouraging the audience to shout our responses, and we did !  Widow Twankey,  flirting with the Emperor and encouraging us to shout responses but we didn't always remember the words, adding greatly to the fun !  Wong and Pong made a super duo as the Peking police force.  The Emperor was powerful and dignified.  Thanks to Covid, a last-minute replacement was needed for the Genie of the Lamp, so the Chair stepped in,  was off the book and did an excellent job.  

The Citizens of Peking, Royal Attendants, Cave Sprites, Executioner, Mini Wishee Washee, Temptress and Tang Tang the Dragon were played by a cast of mixed ages including young children.   This helped to give a warm community feel to the production, which is one of the strengths of village panto.

What a wonderful way for a community to come together and feel the fun and love of Christmas.  Thank you, Lympstone Players, for giving us this entertaining evening of laughter.

Joyce Pomeroy

 

 

    

 

 

 

    

 

 

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