Aladdin

It was my pleasure to attend a special version of Aladdin for an audience predominantly for 3 to 11- year olds. Played ‘in the round’ the whole cast displayed a great technique in covering the space well without any of the audience missing the action. But then with well over 40 years-experience behind CDS, it was not a surprise.

Aladdin well played by Henry Hart soon engaged with the audience and understandably falls for the attractive Princess Mandarin. Isabelle Williams created an innocence that was endearing and both had great stage presence. So too, had Aladdin’s mother Widow Twanky played with great characterisation and energy by Ann Escritt, who also snook in a very nifty tap routine.

Whilst Aladdin and Princess Mandarin agree they have a future, the Princess’s mother the Empress has other ideas for her future. Rachael Goodson provided great strength in making her position clear! Of course, there has to be a baddie that everyone particularly enjoys to boo and Paul Roberts as Abanazar completely fulfilled that role. His ‘side-kick’ Tukeen who amusingly had a habit of getting his name wrong was convincingly played by Hattie Lawrence; when she didn’t have her hands full  changing costumes for playing So-Shy, as well. Hattie along with Sammi Rhead as Handmaiden So Yum, gave great support - also partial to a snack or three –and  were normally on side backing the Princess. Also, never far away from the Empress was Patrick Bentley as a convincing Chancellor.

When Abanazar gets Aladdin to find the missing lamp, Aladdin finds himself trapped in a cave, borrows Abanazar’s ring and discovers Genie Renee of the ring, splendidly played by Jemma Williamson. When he found the lamp, one quick rub and we met Dave – the whirling slave of the lamp, also very well played by Andrew Fournier.   With a rub of the lamp, one last wish at the end of Act 1 was ‘a biscuit and squash supper’ for all the youngsters during the interval – perfect!

When Widow Twanky needs new clothes, Dave is summoned and when Aladdin wants to provide a present for the Princess, the Genie is summoned. The suggestion of a play-station goes down well with the youngsters, but instead a new palace is created and Aladdin asks the Princess for her hand in marriage.

Essentially a play, the opportunity is still taken by directors Wendy and Colin Peterson to include the song ‘Anything you can do, I can do better’ sung well by Paul and Hattie. Abanazar goes in evil search of the Princess to swap her old lamp with his new one. In gaining the old lamp, he wishes for the Palace with the Princess in it, to be moved to Egypt. But all is not lost as Aladdin flies to Egypt on the Genie’s magic carpet, drugs Abanazar and recovers the lamp. Aladdin and the Princess are reunited and the youngsters in the audience are invited to join all on stage in one great party!

The costumes were excellent, lighting and sound effects were spot on. This was well directed, no weak links in casting and with a young audience (and quite a few older ones) enjoying every moment,  it was no less than an uplifting experience for which all should be congratulated.

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