Aladdin

Mr Murderies’ Players, usually known for their iconic Ghost Walks and more recently a production of ‘A Very English Nativity’, have taken the bold risk of staging their very first pantomime and I am pleased to report it was a success.

Taking the theme of Aladdin (or 40 sheiks of a Widow’s Tale) with a witty, pacy script created by Joy Lintin (Director), Alison Duncombe, Caroline Smith and Graham King (Assistant Director), the audience were treated to a very funny panto which ticked all the boxes required for traditional family entertainment.

Before the curtain opened, we were treated to a musical mash-up overture on the organ from Musical Director Chris Powell which instantly set the vibe having the audience clapping along enthusiastically.

First on stage was our narrator for the night, Caroline Smith, who acted as our guide to the unfolding events.  Caroline was quietly assured and spoke directly to the audience even warning us about the scary bit in the Branston Ice Cave.  She also acted as prompt, but her services were hardly required. 

Next the villain of the piece (boo) - Abanazer played with mischievous relish by Graham King who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his evil role, taunting the audience ‘I’ll put jelly in your slippers’, and swirling and swishing his copious cloak while holding a rather scary snake on a stick.  My favourite scenes where when he tried to join in the dance routines and his fantastic delivery of ‘Reviewing the Situation’ - a future Fagin in waiting.  It was also funny when he inadvertently let slip where his secret lair was where he sat sucking his thumb, reading a Smyth toy catalogue! Abanazer was ably assisted by ‘The Keeper of the Ring’ (Yvonne Bennion dressed as a Lincoln City supporter) who informed Abanazer that he had to go Branston to meet the hero Aladdin.

We were then introduced to ‘The Aladdin Dancers’ (with choreography from Lo Osgerby and Beth Williams) dressed in jewel satin jump suits, with their feisty opening number ‘Dance the Night Away’ followed by the villagers gossiping about Aladdin’s current love interest – the Princess Lilypad.  The Princess, herself played with girlish glee by Cleopatra Ridgeway, had a stunning voice as she sang ‘I’m so Excited’ while singing about her love for Aladdin using her hairbrush as a pretend microphone.  Queen Isabella (Val Petty) was wonderful with her malapropisms and her long-winded description of King Robert XIV’s (Doug Brooks) dinner – hoops on toast! The Royal couple were assisted by The Page (Sue Harrison) who also doubled as the Royal Executioner complete with chopper.

I liked the way they used the aisle for some of the entrances which was used to good effect as the man-hungry dame Widow Twankey (Andrew Watson) came down interacting with the audience and fending off some of the good-natured heckling.  I particularly liked the Alexa routine (Bethan Clark) with Widow Twankey unsuccessfully trying to get her to play ‘Raining Men’ and her comment when the ghost ran off screaming ‘That’s the last time I wear make-up recommended by Ru Paul.'

Extra comedy was provided by the bumbling duo Sergeant Pong (a hilarious Becky Fawcett) and the hapless PC Ping (Diane Woods) loudly blowing their whistles and wearing flashing blue lights on their helmets.  Comic timing between the pair was excellent as they assumed a variety of disguises (including a pantomime cow with some funny bovine jokes) to spy on the Princess. I especially liked the scene with the washing machine with PC Ping being shrunk to a small woollen doll!

Aladdin, played by Stephanie Jackson, was a lovely principal boy, full of mischief while skilfully avoiding the incompetent police and bantering playfully with the audience.  She had some sweet scenes with Princess Lilypad singing some lovely duets including ‘Somewhere Out There’ with Cleopatra providing harmonies.

Wishee-Washee, played by Claire Green, was delightful manging to elicit the audience’s sympathy with a soulful rendition of ‘Dream’ as she sang about her unrequited love for SueShe (a winsome and sweet performance from Janine Smithson).  Wishee-Washee provided most of the humour bantering with Widow Twankey in a hilarious tongue twisting routine.  She also confidently led the audience participation section encouraging participants on stage to do the sound effects to ‘Old MacDonald’ and name the cow.

 Finally, after Aladdin outwitted Abanazar, the genie appeared (Dave Odell) covered in blue body paint he took charge of proceedings ensuring a happy ending for all with weddings all round.  Even Abanazar himself who, now cured of his evil ways (as he wasn’t a bad laddie) was married to Widow Twankey who got her man after all.

The set was simple but effective - a beautiful azure blue Arabian style background complete with gold moon and stars and the most inventive use of a shower curtain for the woodland scene.  The side panels were turned to change scenes and props were brought in by Stage Manager (Michael Onn) and Assistant Stage Manager (Yvonne Walker.)  Joy the director told me they had built the stage themselves so well done for using the available space so creatively.  They were some long pauses between scenes, but this was understandable as there was so little space back-stage.  They are hoping to get some extra space for future performances.

Costumes were appropriate to the theme of the show and generally matched the characters. I especially liked the red and black satin dress worn by Princess Lilypad and the bright orange costume and stripy socks worn by Wishee-Washee.  Lighting was effective and used well in the scenes. I liked the sparkling fairy lights on the back cloth.  Sound was clear with every line perfectly audible.  Unfortunately, some mic issues resulted in hisses and crackles, but the cast did well not to let this affect their performance.

Well done to Joy for her friendly welcome and to her team of creatives for producing their debut panto (there was no need to be nervous you guys smashed it!) and I look forward to seeing future productions from this enthusiastic group of players.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.