Aladdin

Thank you for inviting me to watch your production of Aladdin at the Tavistock. Town Hall. TMTC took a leap of faith this year in changing from their usual annual musical and instead venturing into the world of pantomime; a first by all accounts for Tavistock. This is my first pantomime of the season and it is probably one of the earlier pantomimes to be put on but it certainly went a long way in kicking of the Christmas season and left the audience full of excitement for the holidays to come. 

It was nice to see many familiar faces treading the boards again this year including many of the previously younger, junior members, now growing up and beginning to take on larger supporting roles alongside the seasoned members. It was also nice to see new members continuing to join the company one of whom took on the lead role of Aladdin. Aladdin was a strong performer with a fantastic vocal quality and brought bundles of energy to this role. Aladdin had a good ability to project his voice which helped to ensure he could be heard throughout his songs. This was particularly important as there were occasions where the microphones were not on or set at a volume high enough to be able to always hear the soloist singing.

Princess Mandarin was another very strong performer. I note in the programme that she is privileged to have taken part in the National Youth Music Theatre and it is clear to see exactly how she was able to achieve such high prestige. Her voice was beautiful and she had strong harmony capability. A particular highlight for me was the harmony in “Just the way you are”. These two performers worked well together and built a good chemistry required for these roles.

Widow Twankey was another performer of note who brought lots off key comic elements to the performance had strong characterisation. She helped to build on the audience participation gradually breaking down the walls the audience initially had. It wasn’t easy but gradually she brought. Them on side until they were finally engaging and actively participating in the joys of panto fun.

Sound

The principal performers and some supporting roles wore head worn microphones. I would suggest that these could do with being pushed a little further as there were occasions where some voices were not heard as clearly above the music as other performers. 

The music was played live by a small trio of musicians on percussion and two keyboards, one of which utilised many different instrument sounds. 

“Oochie Coochie” was enjoyable and was done effectively giving a little glimpse into the life of the Emperor and Empress.The opening song of “Pure Imagination” was nice and allowed opportunity for multiple members of the cast to have a solo moment. Mandarin and her lady in waiting sang a beautiful rendition of “count on me”. Abanazar took on the solo of “I’m bad” which had the audience absolutely roaring with laughter.

Set

Set is always a challenge at the town hall and is kept quite minimalistic. Four blocks on wheels were painted with various settings and scenic items such as a washing machine for Widow Twankeys laundry that could be wheeled and rotated to allow scene changes to happen quickly and efficiently with many changes being carried out by the cast. Projections on the rear screen further helped to solidify location and setting for the scene with a video projection to support with the magic carpet scene. A ‘big’ highlight of the show was definitely the 10 foot elephant that walked its way through the auditorium with Aladdin on top as he made his way to the palace. This was a very impressive part of the production and was greatly appreciated by the audience.

Costume

Costumes are always a strong point with TMTC and this production was no exception. Costumes were effective and well designed adding a lot of extra detail to the overall production. Made in house by costume designer Patti every character had a suitable costume that helped to portray their position within the hierarchy of the town.

Thank you once again for an enjoyable evening.

Kind regards

   Ryan Procter

   District 3 Representative

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question. The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.