Aladdin

A trip to the Middle East was on the cards for Jigsaw’s annual pantomime, which this year was the evergreen Aladdin.  The story of the young boy whose fortunes are changed by a lamp and its genie will be familiar to most, but it’s always interesting to see the variations from show to show.

This version, using a NODA script by Bradford and Webster, began with an energetic welcome from Wishee Washee, engagingly played by Libby Barrett, who encouraged us to join in with a bit of audience participation, in traditional panto style. It wasn’t long before we met Wishee’s brother Aladdin, winningly played by Hannah Price who also showed off a nice singing voice.  Completing their family was the Dame, Widow Twanky, a confident and nicely humorous performance from Chris Sugars, who also had some great banter with the audience. 

Our heroes soon met Princess Jasmine (Francesca Johnson, in another charming performance – her ‘I Just Want to Dance with You’ duet with Aladdin was a highlight) and her maid Tingaling (Kelsey Franklin), who enjoyed a sweet little romance with Wishee Washee.  However, poor Aladdin ended up under sentence of death just for looking at the Princess, and was soon on the run from PCs 27 and 39.  These roles were very well played by Martha Bradley and Connie Nickless – two strong young performers to look out for in the future!  I also enjoyed the little bursts of music that punctuated their chase scenes.  This led to a very funny scene in Widow Twanky’s laundry, in which Wishee Washee was literally put through the ringer – emerging rather flatter and missing an arm!  Great fun. 

Meanwhile, the villain Abanazar was in town, looking for help to secure the magic lamp.  Glyn Diggett was nicely nasty in the role, baiting the booing audience from the off.  He also channelled Tony Christie in a fun version of ‘Is this the way to Peking’.  Attempting to assist Ababazar in his dastardly plans were the entertaining double act of Hi and Lo (Sam Ryan and Keelan Pavitt), both suitably silly and daftly incompetent. 

Eventually the story made its way to the cave in which lies the magic lamp, and it wasn’t long before the Jeanie the Genie appeared, played by Jenny Whipp with, I think, a nod to the famous Robin Williams characterisation.  The scene in the cave was very well designed and lit, which really enhanced the atmosphere (although Aladdin was left a bit in the dark at times – literally!)  Rounding out the principal cast were Laura Hodgkin as the rhyming Slave of the Ring – complete with rich black country accent – and Victoria Bradley as a commanding Empress of Peking. 

The main cast were once again supported by an enthusiastic chorus of all ages, who added great colour and contributed hugely to the group numbers.  I recognised many of the young performers from previous Jigsaw shows, and it was great to see them continuing to progress and clearly loving their time on stage – keep it up!  A five-strong troupe of dancers added variety to the show – well done to Choreographer Madison Copson and Dance Captain Brooke Copson.

As the story progressed we saw Aladdin and his family parading their new riches, courtesy of the Genie.  Some very nice costumes were on display here, and also in the wedding scene at the end of the show.  But of course Abanazar was not done, and reclaimed the magic lamp via the classic ‘new lamps for old’ sketch – we did try to warn Jasmine!  The story concluded with a great scene in which Aladdin and friends recapture the lamp – and if anyone missed it there was a well-conceived and executed slow motion replay to enjoy! 

Maggie Bishton directed with her customary verve.  The show had a manic, madcap energy, which really kept things flowing and the audience fully engaged.  I also enjoyed the frequent short, punchy songs, which again kept up the pace and variety of the show, and the well-chosen and timed sound effects. 

As the evening came to a close, we had the traditional panto sing along – I’m certain that my side was louder! – followed by a great finale in which the whole cast crowded onto (and in front of) the stage to sing us to a rowdy, joyous conclusion.  Congratulations to all at Jigsaw for another great evening of panto fun – same time next year?

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