Aladdin

Many thanks to St Anne’s Parish Operatic Society for inviting me to see their production of the pantomime ‘Aladdin’ at St Anne's Parish Rooms, Blackpool on Tuesday 27th December 2022. This was a traditional community style pantomime, with a cast of varying levels of abilities, which was of a good standard throughout. It is definitely of note to call out that some of the proceeds of this production are donated to the Churches they are performed at. This is very generous and honourable of the society.

The show was written and directed by Paula Curtis who provided a coherent and fluid piece of theatre throughout. There were puns and one liners galore, all of the expected characters within a Pantomime, some interesting choices of song embedded and some simple yet effective choreography to these numbers. There was good and dynamic use of spacing throughout, and all the cast, of differing ages were well bonded and delivered a really humbling piece of theatre in the community.

The set was quite simple yet effective, with a painted backcloth depicting a Chinese Market, and then a further setting provided my a retractable curtain to allow for the concept of the Cave of Wonders. Costumes provided good context to the characters and to the location. Sound was a bit touch and go as there were 3 microphones stage front which amplified the entire show, this was ample for the actors who were projecting fully, but unfortunately some of the jokes and dialogue were missed through loss of articulation, which affected the pace and energy of the production. There was also a nice dance interlude undertaken by students from the Mullin theatre school for when Aladdin entered The Cave of Wonders. which was pleasantly executed and integrated well into the production.

I’ve noted before, the cast were of a diverse age range, which is always refreshing to see, and with differing levels of experience, all adding to the humble community feel of the production. I feel they looked as though they we’re having a great time, and this joy spread throughout the audience, who were laughing, heckling and cheering the cast on with their antics throughout.

Andrew Woulds opened the production playing the villain in the pantomime, Abanazer. He characterised this part very well physically and vocally, using angular gestures and a bent forwards posture to produce the demonic traits au fait with Jafar from the Disney production. He acted with honesty throughout. Abanazer was supported by Shaz Guleri playing the genie of the ring who delivered this part very well with great consistency, clarity and good vocal projection.

The leading role of Aladin was played by Geraldine Brown who provided a great charming character, and at all times had the audience alongside her screaming out and helping with solutions to problems throughout. Ciara Curtis played Genie of the Lamp and had a wonderful presence and I adored the version of ‘Friend Like Me,’ which mastered some trickery to match the lyrics.

Princess Badroulbadour and her mother, the Emperess, were played by Sarah Scott and Susan Walker respectively who delivered well within these parts.

The comedy duo, Sgt. Ping and P.C. Pong were performed by Alison Thornton and Nic Boan who delivered these roles with great synchronisation and energy. They also delivered good physical performances which added animation and colour to the show.

The iconic Dame role of Widow Twankey was played by Glen Denton who had great gravitas throughout and sharp comedic timing. Her son, Wishy Washy, was played by Kyle Darville who had great energy throughout. Widow Twankey’s other children, Willo, Quillo and Brillo were performed by Gill Briggs, Rachel Stewart and Ellie Maden who provided good rapport with each other in these roles and brought some nice slapstick and animated humour.

So Shy and Sudoku played Eva Phillip sand Lynda Hindle had a nice energy to their performances and brought a good visual contrast to the role. Other smaller parts were played by Suzi McQuiggan, Mandy Laird-Hall, Tommy Dalton, Amy Phillips and Marshall Dean.

Last but by no means least, Jessica Maden wonderfully played the News Reporter Katie Kowazaki. She delivered fantastic characterisation and genuinely looked as though she was a factual news journalist reporting on all of the happenings.

Thanks again thanks to St Anne’s Parish Operatic Society for inviting me to see this production. I look forwards to coming to see 9-5 later this year.

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