Aladdin

It is always a great pleasure to visit this splendid group, and this was no exception, on the occasion of their annual pantomime ALADDIN. It was a real team effort and their Team really is superb, creating great family entertainment. As their programme rightly states “We put our all into our productions” which is apparent from their end product and their audience’s appreciation of it.

With a talented cast of 40 and with 13 scene changes, in what can only be described as a challenging set of circumstances; as far as their venue and its facilities are concerned, they deserve to be congratulated heartily for their efforts to produce a wonderful and spectacular show.

After we had been nicely accompanied to Peking, we were met by the despicable Abanazar, boo-ably played by Mark Taylor, his captive Slave of The Ring, nicely underplayed by Helene Archer, and our Narrator with the golden voice; Kat Thompson all set the scene beautifully.

John Ord was a suitably comedic Wishee-Washee, who, in my humble opinion, missed a trick by not involving the audience more early on (probably first-night nerves). However, his endearing character shone through as time went on. His ‘Mother’ Widow Twankey, very ably played by Alan Tomkins was the crowd’s favourite with his funny and witty one-liners. His characterisation was a panto dame’s tour-de-force.

Principal boy Lisa Nugent’s strong singing and acting portrayal of Aladdin and Katy McMillan as Princess Lotus Blossom were both excellent in their roles supplying the love interest in the story line.

The main principals were well supported by James Archer and William Metcalf as the hapless Sergeant Wun Long Pong and Constable Ping Pong, David Parrack as The Genie of The Lamp, Bev Brennan as Nanny, Jenny Boothroyd as The Empress, and a tremendous debut by young Angus Nugent as Mini Wishee-Washee in a very funny scene inside Twankey’s Laundrette.

The dancers, under the tutelage of Helen Wilson played a vital and nicely integrated part in the piece.

Musical Director Joan Fothergill, with a well-chosen selection of recorded and live music, some lusty singing by the Company, and excellent accompanying by Peter Allsopp on keyboards and Peter Forster on drums completed the superb musical experience.

Congratulations to Ann Ranson for her stage direction. To Alan Ranson for stage management, and also the rest of their Team for excellent costumes, set, cloths, props, lighting and sound.

Finally, thanks to Barbara for interval refreshments and to the Society for the invite. We had a thoroughly good night’s entertainment. We look forward to returning for JUNGLE MADNESS in March.

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