Aladdin

I always look forward to the production of Morpeth Pantomime Society and today did not disappoint. Their chosen pantomime this year was Aladdin, arguably one of the most popular pantomimes performed throughout the country. The story is one of the tales found in the book "The Arabian Nights" also known as “The Book of a Thousand and One Nights”, and was most likely based on a Middle Eastern folk tale.

This version was written by the societies Director Lee Brannigan who also plays the role of pantomime Dame. More about the Dame later. The cast are a team who work together and achieve an enjoyable evening of entertainment despite a power cut in the second act that was soon remedied. I have to say Morpeth Pantomime Society are quite famous for power cuts during their shows. I recall them bringing in generators following the loss of power during Storm Arwen and this year the Friday night performance had to be abandoned due to loss of power, with many in the audience returning for the two showings on the Saturday. One thing is certain, this society do not give up easily!

Jane Pedersen took on the title role of Aladdin. Well done Jane, it was a very good confident performance, particularly your solo on the magic carpet, In This Place Where We Belong from the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.  You courted your lovely Princess Jasmine (Martha Gammer) and we all enjoy a love story. Well done to you too Martha.

Aba Nazar was played by Ashley Knight who was suitably devious and wicked and got plenty of boos from the audience. Your make up was perfect as was your costume. Both complimented your performance and the final touch was your counterpart Empress Elvira. (Charlotte Ridley) I particularly enjoyed your duet together showing you both had a “softer side.”

Lee Brannigan has all the stage qualities and important requirements to successfully play a Dame. In his role of Widow Twanky there was entertaining comedy with innuendo at an acceptable level for most. Widow Twanky was colourful and I particularly liked the Shake and Vac scene with Sweet (Finlay Gammer) Sour (Mya Wright) and Pork (Tom Sharp) well done.

Your chorus in the second act of Colour My World in Twankey’s Laundry was a fitting opening with Spirit (Laura Street) in centre stage. That giggle of Spirit made everyone giggle. You embraced this role as your own.

PC Slap played by Hilary Groom and PC Tickle played by Sally Vaughan threw themselves into their comedic antics and the duo got some good laughs from the audience. Of course, a cast member who always attracts laughs from the audience is Widow Twankey’s son Wishee Washee played by Sarah Farnsworth Watson. She was accompanied by her dragon whom the audience loved, particularly the youngsters. She eventually heads off to marry So Shy played by Lydia Watson another strong performer on stage. I must say that from a comedy perspective the scene sing a long "if I were not in Pantomime " was hilarious.

I applaud the confident singing and acting performance from Clare North Lewis as The Genie of the Lamp. Well done, Clare. I never quite came to terms with your accent but you commanded that stage every time you appeared. Certainly, a Genie with a difference.

The show would not be a show without the smaller Cameo roles and the chorus. You all smiled throughout the show and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying yourselves and you ensured that we, the audience did so too.

The set, the costumes and the make-up were excellent. The transitions between scenes and also lighting and sound were good. I am sure lots of hard work had gone into getting things right. The show came to a sparkling finale with us all on our feet, clapping and really enjoying ourselves.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this production to the stage. Thank you for inviting your NODA Representatives and making us so welcome. We had a lovely evening and look forward to your next production.

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