Aladdin

‘Aladdin’ is by far a popular choice for societies performing pantomime this year and this week I have seen two renditions of Aladdin, both very different and unique to those performing on stage. This is indeed testament to the fact that our performers and our audiences find the wonder of Aladdin one of the best choices during pantomime season. It offers a cast of magical characters both adult and youth.

Our journey into the mysterious Orient began with an overview of the plot from Aba Nazar (Matthew Cooper) himself. I saw the pantomime on the opening night and the eliciting of booing was slow but during the show the audience responded as expected when he appeared on stage. Matthew played the part as the villainous Aba Nazar with subtle evilness ensuring the show got off to a good start. start.

The journey into old Peking was seamless and the stage projections were stunning and vibrant between all scene changes. The projections were brought to life by lively chorus numbers in costumes aligned to the setting.

It was not long before we were introduced to the Twankey household. Widow Twankey (Ian Little) interacted well with the audience who were invited to shout “no hanky panky, Widow Twankey" when the widow appeared on stage.  Widow Twankey’s son Wishee Washee (Jonathan Scott) had so much energy, dashing on and off stage if he did not get the audience response “Osso” whilst mimicking martial arts. The always smiling Jonathan Scott clearly adores being on stage.

Aladdin (Hannah Bass) is a familiar face on stage and never fails to deliver her role. Love interest Princess Mandarin (Emma Smolenskij) was suitably regal. The jollity on stage was enhanced by Yu Dun Wong (Kate Bidwell) and Hu Dun Pong (Sam Wood). The upper classes of Chinese Society were well represented too, with Sharon Young playing the suitably haughty empress. Clearly a lady with stage presence.

The appearance of the public executioner (Sienna Dixon) brought a roar from the audience. A small child dressed all in black with the face covered. The impression was she would not have been able to slice a loaf let alone chop someone’s head off. So funny.   

Georgia Young took the role of the Genie of the lamp. She made local reference to Berwick High Street that was truly appreciated by the local audience. She carried the role of Genie faultlessly and has a wonderful voice when singing alone.

Throughout the show, there were energetic dance routines and familiar music. Pantomime offers the expectation of movement, music, colour and contrast and we were not disappointed. The chorus and soloists benefit from a live band who are loyal to Spittal Variety Group, who work as a team and it shows. The music is always lively but not overpowering. They get it just right. I have to say that for me, a live band is something of a prerequisite of live theatre

The flying carpet to transport Aladdin was very clever and in true pantomime tradition Aladdin got his Princess. Don't we all enjoy a love story and a happy ending. Aladdin and his princess delivered both, well done.

There were some memorable moments and interesting performances throughout the show. The jokes in the laundry, Wash and Nosh, being one. When visiting Spittal Variety Group, it is obvious that the whole cast enjoy participating in the production, including those working backstage and it is great to see. The costumes were a delight but I felt the make-up was bland and got a little lost under the bright lights.

I read in the programme that four of the principals who staged Aladdin in 2015 also played major parts this year. That sends a very powerful message that Spittal Variety Group is a great place to be. You have all worked very hard and you gave all of us in the audience a wonderful evening of entertainment. Thank you for inviting me and thank you for the warm welcome I received.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.