Aladdin

The atmosphere in the Palace Theatre on New Years Day was buzzing with excited anticipation! The last big occasion before life got back to its usual routine. The audience were prepared to enjoy it and enjoy it they did!

When visiting Paignton Pantomime Productions, you know you are going to see a great panto, such is the reputation of P.P.P. whose raison d’etre is their annual panto.    

The colour and quality of costumes along with very good sets was first rate and there were such treats as camels, an elephant, a few flamingos and a cave full of wonderful treasures covered in sparkling tinsel used to good effect. All this and a cast of such a high standard, dancers, both senior and junior who performed to perfection and an ensemble very strong in acting ability and dancing skills, paying attention to every word that was said and reacting with enthusiasm. The junior dancers, The Blue team and Red Team taking in turns to perform and excelled especially in the tap dancing. Very impressive. On the day I attended the Blue Team were performing, but I have it on very good authority that the Red Team was equally brilliant.

 Aladdin was played to perfection, young, handsome, and absolutely convinced that he would marry the Princess. An excellent singing voice. His entry dressed in his new finery seated on an elephant and accompanied by camels (who maybe should have had back legs) etc was slightly underplayed and would have benefited from different lighting and a fanfare but was nevertheless very striking.

Princess Mandarin looked every inch the Princess who wanted to mix with ordinary people, again a lovely voice and with Aladdin made a charming couple.

Widow Twankey made a splendid Dame with a strong deep voice and a walk that helped this important role to be done to perfection. The dresses and particularly the hats were excellent and original. The P.P.P tradition of going up and down the aisles with Wishee Washee using large water pistols to squirt the audience was maintained enthusiastically as those squealing when soaked with cold water will confirm. The wettest victim is always the Musical Director who has a towel ready, while smiling bravely through gritted teeth.

Wishee Washee must have been enviably fit to perform his role, as he was jumping rolling and somersaulting all over the stage, what energy even on the fourteenth and last performance! From his first entrance, the audience were eating out of his hand, doing exactly what he told them to do and revelling in every opportunity.

Abanazer is to be greatly admired as the original actor was disappointingly taken ill just two days before the opening performance. He must have been gutted and very best wishes to him. The “new” Abanazer did a tremendous job and learnt his lines within a day! He never looked back and made a splendid Abanazer with   a demonic laugh and a menacing demeanour, he had the audience booing as if their life depended on it! A super characterization and a great example of “the show must go on”.

Spirit of the Ring helped hold the story together, her actions and moves were very good, she was part of the spectacular flying carpet scene which hovered over the orchestra pit and across the stage as if by magic!

The two comics Yu-Dun-Wong and Hu-dun-Pong made a good combination, their timing was excellent and energy seemingly inexhaustible. They were sometimes accompanied by their Chief of Police who also appeared as the Spirit of the Cave and Abanazer’ s slave. Great versatility.

The Empress looked very regal but seemed much too nice to chop people’s heads off!, She could possibly have been more authoritarian, but her prime role was as the protective Mother of the Princess and her singing was excellent. This was her swansong after twenty-two P.P.P pantos. What commitment! Maybe we will see her again?

So-Shy was a great support to the Princess but made a distinctive character for herself. Great stuff!

Genie of the Lamp looked good and had a beautiful voice. She brought humour to the part and also authority.  A lovely performance   

 The Aladdin Band did a sterling job under the redoubtable Allan Fouracre (despite the daily soaking!!)

My Heartiest Congratulations to all concerned especially to Iain Douglas, Director, Elaine Johnson for her Choreography that never disappoints and a team both front and backstage who together produced a pacy, vibrant and memorable pantomime.          

Graham Liverton 

National Vice President & Regional Councillor NODA Southwest

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