ALADDIN

A new script by Harry Rodgers produced a fast paced and continuously entertaining show. An intimate knowledge of the theatre’s idiosyncrasies helped to set all the scenes well using all the entrances and exits to their best advantage which really helped to keep the show moving.

Director Darren Adams’ cast were moved on/off and around the stage with seeming ease, no blackouts and moments of silence here, everything flowed really well throughout.

Nathaniel Chatterley as Aladdin took to the part as if he had been on stage for years, to learn that it was his first time was a surprise and all credit to him for portraying his character really well. As Aladdin’s love interest, Amelie Rocha as Jasmine brought a beaming smile whenever she came on.

In any pantomime, a lot rests on the Dame, mostly for bringing total absurdity to proceedings and Simon Tuck as Widow Twankey did this brilliantly. Simon was backed up by Wishee Washee (Emma Lidford) helping him to keep the mayhem going.

Tracey Chatterley took on the role of Abanazar, the villain, and raised a number of boos and comments from the audience, though her sidekick the Genie of the Ring, played by Angel Bayliss, was probably the one to take the plaudits for a great performance. Angel showed maturity beyond her years and was never overshadowed by the adults around her - she gave us attitude that suited the role, keeping her master Abanazar in check, and was a real highlight of the evening.

One of the most bizarre but well thought out roles was that of Mike the Magic Carpet. Chris Hopkins took this on, and the concept really worked. His off-the-cuff remarks were well written, and the magic carpet flying scene was totally nuts and very funny.

Jenny De Filippo as the Genie of the Lamp was as far away from a ‘Disney’ Genie as you could get; her Essex girl accent and demeanour was carried out really well and brought another layer of humour that was not expected.

The comedy duo of Bobby and Plod - Gemma Bayliss and Dave Hillman - worked well together, and the chase scenes were particularly impressive considering the small size of the stage.   The cast was completed by Susie Conder as Sultana and Matilda Dowdall, Joshua Stone, Sophie Robinson and Eloise Urquhart in smaller ensemble roles.

Choreographer Emma Lidford got the best from her cast with mostly simple routines but leaving no one standing around at any point, and the movement in each song was well worked.

The costumes were generally bright and colourful and suited the piece. The matching police outfits looked particularly good.

The set backdrop was very good and suited old Peking, well painted with good proportions and perspective.

On a technical level all credit to Paul Horsler and Ryan Holgate-Sutherland who had sound and lighting just about spot on.

Overall, a great evening’s entertainment. The audience all went home happy thanks to a very well written script, good direction throughout and a very able cast all backed up by a well drilled technical and backstage team.

 

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