Aladdin

ALADDIN – A ‘genie-us’ panto by Tom Whalley opened in the Valley of the Kings and the evening got off to some lively proceedings.  Aladdin longs for riches – so he can marry the beautiful princess while working in his mother’s laundry and spending time evading the police.  Baddie Abanazar has other plans.

The scenery was of the highest quality, bright and professionally finished.   The props were expertly crafted and were effectively used.  The transition between scenes was smooth.  The F.A.R.T. machine was incredibly imposing, deserves special praise and worked hilariously well.   The magic carpet ride was another ingenious idea and caused many gasps and laughs.   

The costume, hair and makeup were all excellent and in keeping with the characters.    Abanazar’s black gown was cleverly designed so as to transform quickly into the old lamp seller.   Widow Twankey’s dresses were all colourful and detailed.  I particularly enjoyed the one with a washing line of socks on her apron.      

The lighting, special effects and sound were effective, especially for the arrival of the genie.  The lighting was effective and created the appropriate atmosphere. 

The production had a huge amount of silliness and good cheer and the usual mentions of surrounding villages, Baughurst, Burghfield etc and served to remind us we were not actually in Won-Long-Poo or Peking.   This was an evening of great entertainment with laugh out loud jokes as well as some incredibly corny ones.  Central figure, Aladdin was played with gusto and confidence by Tristan Quittenton.    Joe Williams charmed his way through the show, as the Slave of the Ring, complete with matching costume, toe and nail varnish.    Alan Moorhouse was irresistibly camp as the Genie and Kevin Belcher was physically very funny (as well as creepy) as Abanazar.   Stephen Bibby, the dame, was bursting with charisma and delivered his lines with relish and innuendo.   All of the cast had had superb chemistry and great rapport with the audience.   There were smiles all round during hugely enjoyable and fun production.    Well done to all at Silchester Players, on and off stage, for this triumphant return to the local stage.

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