Aladdin

Once again, Magna Performing Arts enraptured audiences with their latest rendition of Aladdin, masterfully scripted and directed by the gifted Betty Morris. This interpretation of the timeless family pantomime was brimming with fresh creativity, introducing a diverse ensemble of captivating characters. The promise of an enjoyable afternoon filled with booing at villains and cheering on heroes was fully realised. The collaboration between adult and youth performers was truly remarkable, with the youthful energy infusing the production with enthusiasm, beautifully complemented by the seasoned expertise of the adults. However, what truly set this production apart was its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every participant had their moment to shine. The seamless integration of lead and supporting roles allowed both emerging talents and experienced actors to showcase their abilities, resulting in a harmonious ensemble that captivated audiences from start to finish.

Brooke Bailey opened the show with flair as the storyteller, Scherazade, whisking us away to a world of genies, magic carpets, enchanting princesses, and dastardly sorcerers - not forgetting the quirky Window Twanky's Washeteria! Though her pace started off a bit brisk, she quickly settled into her role, delivering a more confident performance as the story unfolded.

Laura Gwynne shone as the street-dancing Aladdin, delivering a stellar performance that dazzled the audience. With impeccable comic timing, sharp line delivery, and impressive dance moves, she effortlessly commanded the stage and engaged with the audience. Gareth Thompson, in the role of the Window Twanky (The Dame), also left a lasting impression with his strong performance. His subtle innuendos and witty one-liners had the audience in stitches, and his ability to adlib with skill added an extra layer of humour. Despite a slight wardrobe malfunction, Gareth handled it with comedic finesse, earning even more laughs. Hilary Jones brought her comedic prowess to the stage as Wishy Washy, delivering a highly entertaining performance as the wannabe magician. Her natural comedic talent, evident in her facial expressions and spot-on line delivery, added to the enjoyment of the performance. Together, Laura, Gareth, and Hilary formed a formidable trio, infusing each scene with infectious energy and laughter. Their chemistry was palpable, and they convincingly portrayed the slightly wacky family unit, bouncing off each other with ease and delivering memorable performances.

Nikki Thompson enchanted audiences as Princess Petal, delivering a charming performance with impressive musicality in her songs. Her solo and romantic duet with Aladdin were definite highlights of the musical numbers. Meg Boardman, portraying Petal's handmaiden Hanky Panky, also stood out with her confident and energetic stage presence. Meg particularly shone when leading group dance routines, showcasing her charisma and skill.

David Jones demonstrated remarkable versatility in his dual role, seamlessly transitioning from the noble Wizzy The Vizier in the Sultan's palace to the conniving Eb-E-Nazar, the ultimate baddie. As Eb-E-Nazar, David portrayed a cunning trickster and imposter who masterfully manipulates Aladdin to steal the magic lamp, with intentions to usurp the kingdom. His performance elicited enthusiastic engagement from the audience, who relished the opportunity to boo and hiss at the villainous character, a testament to David's adept portrayal. Meanwhile, Letishia Hulatt charmed audiences with her cheeky and endearing performance as Peanut the monkey. With her dynamic movement and mischievous antics, Letishia brought the character to life, delighting audiences throughout the production.

Dan Hoskin and Rowan Thompson supported the court scenes well as The Sultan and Prince Pip, respectively. Ruby Baldwin and Mia Micallef were entertaining as the dim-witted palace guards, Shish and Donna, contributing to the comedic atmosphere of the show.

Paul Oliver and Amelia Pietraszewska as the Good and Naughty Genie of the Lamp brought a playful dynamic to the stage, with Paul striving for goodness and Amelia adding mischief. Lizzie Whent and Eva Craddock as Sherbert and Delight, the Genies of the Ring, delivered solid performances. Supporting cameos by Amy Yemm, Charlotte Jones, and Adrian Pew added to the enjoyment of the production. The masseuse scene, executed brilliantly by Adrian and Gareth, had the audience in stitches, highlighting the flexibility of Window Twanky! However, it was Carol Cox as Carly The Camel Herder who stole the show, alongside Humphrey the Camel. Whenever this pair graced the stage, infectious laughter ensued, thanks to Carol's brilliant performance and impeccable comic timing.

The set design was meticulously crafted, transporting the audience to an Arabian fantasy with appropriately themed props. Vibrant costumes painted the stage with a kaleidoscope of colours, while the production displayed a diverse selection of upbeat songs. Choreography, executed with precision by the large cast, particularly shone in the ensemble pieces. However, a minor critique lies in the brief pauses observed between action sequences and musical numbers. Musical highlights included the infectious melodies of "Count on Me," the whimsical "If I Were a Rich Girl," the spirited rendition of "In the Legion," and the exhilarating finale, "Bring It All Back."

Overall, this community pantomime offered something for everyone, and Magna deserves recognition for consistently delivering unique and creative shows that entertain audiences of all ages. Thank you for the warm hospitality extended to me and my family. It was a delightful afternoon infused with Arabian magic, offering a blissful escape from reality.

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