Aladdin

This classic Panto produced by Irchester Players was a theatrical extravaganza. Excellent players, wonderful singing voices, and stupendous acting. I had a very enjoyable experience, which started with a warm welcome at Parson Hall from the front-of-house team.

As usual, the dancers (Evia Grant, Freya Jolley, and Isabella Orson) were fantastic, with super choreography from Chloe Elison, well executed and fun to watch. You mentioned in the programme that your inspiration for one of the dances came from ‘The Choir of Man’, well done and a lovely tribute. The ensemble, Justine Abbott, Dulcie A’Lee-Holt, Stacy Ansell, Niamh Curson, Amy Griffith, Elie Miles, Isla Morrall, Benjamin Thirlwell, Penny Wilmott, and Andrew Wood, all acted well, danced, and sung their hearts out and enhanced the action throughout the show. Thank you to the chaperones Ali Everitt, and Nicki Pott, without whom these young people could not have performed.

Alan P Frayn had written a funny script which you seemed to enjoy especially the comedic elements which were performed well with good comic timing and lots of fun oozing from the stage. The stage setting, lighting and sound all worked well together to bring the scenes to life. Your limited space was used imaginatively and the extra staging was utilised well. I commend you for producing such a complex story with so many scene changes within the limits of your location. Lighting by Rachael Neal and sound by Greg McClean both of whom had a busy show, with so many cues, which were all handled well, and the whole effect was cohesive. Stage manager, Ben Miles, kept the scene changes slick and the pace of the whole production was just right.

Abanazar played by Anthony Curson was the character the audience loved to hate, booing and hissing him at every entrance. Anthony’s character was mean and dark and he relished the reactions from the audience. Commanding the stage from his first entrance he was a highlight of the production. The Spirit of The Ring played by the effervescent Julie Walton speaks in rhyme the whole time and twinkling at the audience who loved her. In contrast, the Genie of the Lamp played by Justine Abbott was dramatic, energetic, and cheeky. Her facial expressions alone were worth the ticket price. On top of that, her singing voice was lovely and blended well with the harmony chorus numbers.

I felt Chris Taylor was wonderful as The Emperor. His stature, costume, and diction were perfect for the role, and what a voice! I enjoyed all the numbers he sang. His daughter, Mandarin, played by Rebecca Gibson, was girlie and sweet, a lovely relationship was demonstrated between the two of them which I found delightful. Rebecca too has a lovely singing voice. To complete this trio was So-Shy played by Chloe Elison, her costume was my favourite, but her acting, singing, and diction were superb and I enjoyed her interaction with other cast members. I would say quite a challenging role as So-Shy is constantly being told what to do, yet she is strong and hard-headed and must show this side of her character despite the action taking place around her. Well done.

The comedy duo Yu-Dun-Wong - Laura Cousins, and Hu-Dun-Pong - James Adams were energetic, utilised slap sick, and demonstrated great synchronisation, and wit to enhance their characters. Aladdin played by Erin Mizon sang well, especially with Chloe and Rebecca as their voices worked well together. My only small criticism was I felt Erin did not perform the traditional ‘principal boy’ character. In that usually, I like to see the body language stiffer, the attitude generally privileged, boastful, and with a huge sense of entitlement. More thigh slapping and mooning about the place than Erin’s acting choices.

Wishee Washee was played at the last minute by the enthusiastic Ellie Miles. She gave a superb performance, witty, and energetic, and her character was well drawn, and interactions with other players were delightful. She brought a gentler side to Wishee Washee and I loved her singing too.

Spirited Widow Twankey was played by the dynamic Alex McKenzie. As usual, Alex played the Dame with many innuendoes and cheeky asides to the audience which we loved. His costumes were much improved from last year. Well done Chloe Ellson, June King, and Alex himself, for taking on board my suggestions from my last report. I preferred the second-act costume. I felt the first outfit was not flattering and far more grotesque than the character required. But the dresses were more in character and you moved so much better without the heels. Saying that your acting and chemistry onstage were warm and enthusiastic, well done.

The band, Ashley Gray, Richard Awdry, Kevin Griffiths, and Keith Gamble produced a great sound, it was so impressive to have live music throughout the performance and you all performed extremely well.

Well done Irchester Players, you seem to go from strength to strength and I commend you for your immersion in your community, and how you encourage the youth members to improve year after year. It’s always a pleasure to meet you all and feel the love and encouragement you all share.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.