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Aladdin

Author: Anne Lawson

Information

Date
29th December 2024
Society
Cranbrook Operatic & Dramatic Society (CODS)
Venue
Queen's Hall Theatre Cranbrook
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Jack Davidson
Musical Director
Ruth Roberts
Choreographer
Chrissie Smith
Written By
Alan P Frayn

The hall foyer was beautifully decorated with red and white Christmas parcels – very festive. Children were excitedly waiting for the magic of ‘Aladdin’ to commence. The pre-show set was simple but effective with beams of bright light streaming down onto the magic gold lamp placed high central stage.

Down stage left in black stood Emma Iisted as the BSL Interpreter signing throughout the whole performance and, front of stage right, was the band with Ruth Roberts as MD and keyboard, Glyn Roberts keyboard, clarinet and saxophone,  Andy McLaren guitar and Dame picked upon Nigel Dawson on drums.  

Geysers were placed either side of stage for colourful magical entries of both the Spirit of the Ring and for the evil magician Abanazar. The truly short rehearsal period of six weeks amazed me for this was a polished performance full of colour, fast and furious, funny with not too much innuendo, more slap stick, with co-ordinated and flowing choreography from the five lead dancers and the troupe of delightful young ensemble in their red T shirts, well drilled too.

An Alan Frayn's popular up-to-date script (with some modifications and possibly ad libs) was used by Director Jack Davidson, also playing buxom Widow Twankey, laundry and Chinese nosh entrepreneur in an array of outrageous outfits and her auburn twin peaks (hair I’m referring to) – great make up to match, stole the show for me. His useless youngest son was Wishee Washee an agile, natural karate expert with number one son, dreamer Aladdin destined to become rich and marry Princess Mandarin who he’s been spying on  from up high. With a twist of magical powers, the rubbing of a magical lamp, the appearance of a mischievous comedic Genie, so well played by Siana Weston, a couple of scootering very funny police officers, adventures to foreign lands via a magic carpet he gets his wish and the Emperor agrees to him having his daughter’s hand. With the help of some snippets and adapted well chosen musical numbers the tale flowed along. A particularly fast version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ with unusual gifts was a definite hit. The audience joining in with plenty of booing, clapping  and collective shouting, all’s well that ends well.

The set was simple and well-lit with some particularly good large props -  the large cave rock that was rolled on stage, a tumble dryer, a mangle that flattened poor Wishee and plenty of personal props too, more lamps, a magic rod and sparkling ring.

A good strong pairing  of Jessica Leaper as Aladdin and Zara Redshaw in shimmering turquoise as Princess Mandarin – I particularly liked their ‘silent movie’ approach to romantic meetings – most effective and amusing. Mandarin’s handmaiden in an elegant Chinese shift was her loyal So-Shy played by Emma Clarke. Steve Lenham appeared in a luxurious robe and circular headdress as The Emperor of all China whilst Michael Fitzgerald certainly looked the part as devious Abanazar who wanted to rule the world. Jacob Santer obviously enjoyed getting the audience going. Spinning on and off was Catherine Davidson in a shimmering harem costume as Spirit of the Ring using good rhyming script. The comic twosome were Sharon Pickles as Number One with Kay Fitzgerald Number Two a couple of scootering police officers’ truncheons to the ready.

Good costuming and appropriate make up throughout,  which was very complimentary with Sharon in charge, when not performing her policing duties of wardrobe and Penny Tobin  also doubling with her efficiently operated sound effects and make up.

The backstage team worked hard with Julie Hine and Chrissie as SMs, together with lighting, special effects and follow spots team. A well-produced, jolly and musically enjoyable after Christmas family entertainment. Thank you to you all – those on stage making us laugh  and those behind the scenes keeping up the pace.

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