Aladdin

Sutton Green Hut Theatre Companys “Aladdin” was my first panto of the year, (oh yes it was!) and it made a great start to the 2022 festive season.

This was the traditional story of Aladdin, who falls under the spell of his evil “uncle” Abanazer.  He visits the cave of Wonder to retrieve the magic lamp, defeats the villain and wins the hand of his beloved Lotus Blossom.

This cleverly written family panto (by David Knights and Philip Smith) had all the necessary elements of a great evening’s entertainment.

Seraphim Watson as Lotus Blossom has such clarity in diction and a beautiful singing voice for such a young age.  She is certainly one to watch out for in the future.  Emma-Jayne Waters as Aladdin – the dashing hero - was great as principal boy and delivered her musical numbers and dance routines with expertise and precision. 

Philip Smith as Widow Twanky did a great job of bringing the humour to the stage.  With great comedy timing he certainly delivered everything a pantomime dame should, and with colourful costumes, wigs and make up he was perfect in the part.

Alison Waters as Wishee-Washee and Katrina Knights as So Shy made a great duo, to compliment the principal line up.

David Knights as Abanazer (the wicked sorcerer…boo hiss!) and his side-kicks Matilda Wilson as the Slave of the Ring and Chloe Wroot as Genie were a powerful combination, with strong characterisations.

Kevin Stevenson-Fitton completed the principal line up as the Emporer – and his interaction with Widow Twanky, Lotus Blossom and Aladdin was excellent.

Accompanied by The Guards and Townsfolk of Peking – who were well drilled in both song and dance - the whole company gave really strong performances.

I loved all the musical numbers – a really great choice to help with the storytelling, and they were all performed to backing tracks, which made everyone sing out loud and clear. 

The set and backcloths were simple and effective, with great use of props.  Costumes, make up and wigs were striking and colourful.

Congratulations to Doreen Smith as director, Emma-Jayne Waters as choreographer and David Knights as MD.  It was so lovely to be back watching your panto.  You did Sutton proud!

 

 

 

 

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