Aladdin

It was wonderful to be invited to review Aladdin the first pantomime for Newquay Stage Company and I understand the first to be performed in Newquay for 16 years and what a show it was! The script adapted from Betty Bolton was great. It contained all the traditional characters one expects to see in the show and had puns and gags galore. The performance moved at a good pace and was just the correct length.

The hall was set up with a clear open stage with steps on stage left. The u-shaped lighting bar was set at the front of the hall and the sound and selection of lighting effects were controlled well by Dymond Audio. I particularly liked the gobos used to enhance the Genie of the Lamp.

The stage sets were well constructed and appropriately decorated. I presume someone from Kernow had emigrated to the orient as I spotted a St Piran’s flag on sky tip in the background, a lovely reminder of home! I thought the hinged front of the laundry was inspired and was smoothly moved by the cast members. It contained lots of detail, it was great to read the sign inside, I’m glad they washed ‘Babies for free’ but hope they did so carefully. Adding ‘LAUNDRY’ spelt backwards on the inside of the set certainly added to the illusion. The inclusion of the floral window complemented the opulence of the palace. Using the tabs to mask a part of the stage for the cave worked well as did the cave entrance on stage left. Props used during the show were correct and well managed by the members of your cast.

It was brilliant to have a live band in the hall which was expertly conducted by your talented Musical Director. The three members were on point throughout the show and their skills were greatly used to enhance specific events during the performance. The choice of musical items was eclectic from the customary ‘Old Bazaar’ to the ‘Aladdin Style’ finale. Your MD had obviously spent time teaching both the individuals and chorus the musical numbers and they performed them with panache throughout the show. Many congratulations

The numerous costumes were the traditional oriental outfits from the emperor’s hanfu headdress, rich outfits for the princess and royal maid, colourful and bright poorer villagers and dancers, darker Abanazar’s outfit and the shiny Genie’s clothes.  I would like to make special mention of the dame’s outfits. I love a traditional dame and the costumes worn by Widow Twankee were just that. Time had obviously been taken to add appropriate accessories from the creative peg washing line headdress to the ‘Twankee Independent Trading’ on the front of the dress. The hair styles and make up used enriched the costumes.

As I would expect from your choreographer all the dance routines were varied, well-rehearsed and presented brilliantly. All those on stage knew what was expected of them and they performed with smiles on their faces. It was great to see how the skills of those on stage were used with those who were involved in the more complex movement whilst some of the more mature members were completing their actions at the back of the stage. I particularly enjoyed the tap routine and the clever movements in the fight scene. Great work.

The show opened dramatically in front of the tabs when Abanazar entered up the steps onto the stage; remember if your costume in long pick it up to walk up the stairs. He spoke clearly and certainly portrayed his evil demeanour effectively. The audience reacted well to him and he responded to their reaction.  The Genie of the Ring appeared on the stage in response to Abanazar’s rub and looked dramatic with her green hair. Her phrenetic moving around the stage, which may have been chosen to distinguish her from the Genie, was a little off putting. She played her part with lots of expression, but I think a phone would have given better navigation than your hand. Her interaction with the baddy was great. It was also good to see that this young ladies’ skills were used later as a member of the chorus.

Following an upbeat number, we were introduced to the other members of the cast. I do enjoy a traditional dame and yours was certainly that. If I hadn’t read the programme, I would never have known this was his first outing in the role. He embodied the part completely, his facial expressions, movements, voice, interactions and reactions were outstanding and he sang well. In fact, he displayed some features of Justin Fletcher in some of his guises. I am looking forward to watching these skills develop. What a star!

Widow Tankee introduced us to her three sons.  Wishy and Washy were a great double act they bounced off each other all the performance. You could feel how the audience were enjoying the gags and puns and the competition during the community song. Great work both of you. The actor playing Aladdin really brought the part to life. She dominated the stage, her acting was on point, her singing was excellent and she pulled every bit of meaning out of her text. An excellent portrayal.

The sovereign ruler of the land the emperor, his daughter Princess Jamine and her Royal Maid were next to arrive on the stage. They were all beautifully attired as befitted their status. The actor playing the emperor did so in a very regal manner. Annunciating well and looking down on anyone how he believed was below him. This came across well with his singing of ‘Indicate the way to my abode’. He appeared to have a good relationship with his daughter and attempted to keep Widow Twankee at arm’s length until the end of the show. Princess Jasmine was portrayed beautifully. She maintained an imperial manner when she first met Aladdin but as time went on you could clearly see the relationship developing and their duet was lovely. The actor playing her maid showed an appropriate amount of deference to her mistress. She created a believable character and sang beautifully.

Your Genie was great and created a great larger than life character. He delivered his lines with aplomb, sang well and interacted with the other cast members. Well done.

You have a very talented group of principals but I would like to also congratulate the other members of your cast. It was obvious that time had been taken to teach stage craft. When there were whole cast scenes, they were all animated no one was looking around into space a skill that will be useful in any production.

Your team have obviously worked extremely hard to produce the first pantomime for Newquay Stage Company for 16 years and what a triumph it was. I would also like to compliment you on your well put together programme. Many congratulations to every member of your team.

Thank you very much for an excellent evening’s entertainment.

 

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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