Aladdin

Felton is a small village situated on the river Coquet in Northumberland. The Felton and Thirston Panto Society never fail to amaze me. They perform their annual pantomime in a small village hall that has a stage but not one of size to accommodate the scenery and backdrops that others have. However, this never detracts from the imaginative settings and the obvious excitement that each show brings to both members and the audience many of whom are local people.

Tonight was no exception where good humour and entertainment were concerned. Aladdin, is arguably one of the most popular pantomimes performed throughout the country. This version of Aladdin opened with Dame Widow Twanky (David Hindmarsh) providing the audience with a comical narrative of what the story was about and introducing to us Sergeant Ping (David Francis) and PC Pong (Teddy Taylor). Both officers of the law were suitably dressed in police uniforms and warned Widow Twanky of penalty notices that would be issued throughout the show if certain rules were broken. Believe it or not rules were broken. Intermittently both characters entered during the show to music we were all familiar with as it was associated with gritty TV police dramas, Z Cars from the 1960s/1970s being one. PC Pong carried a suitably large plastic baseball bat as a truncheon that he wielded at the offenders whilst Sgt Ping issued the penalty notices. This duo played well together and their multiple appearances was a golden thread throughout the show.

The opening musical number was performed in Widow Twanky’s laundry with the famous Dolly Parton’s work arrangement song 9 – 5. Early in the show a member of the audience was on stage to participate in folding a duvet in the laundry. This showcased the engagement and interactive performing skills of David Hindmarsh who took full advantage of the victim, no sorry I got that wrong, volunteer! (Duvet Davy)

Joanna Barrett took on the title role of Aladdin. Well done Joanna. You are a confident performer with a strong voice for narrative and a powerful solo singing voice too. Your dialogue with a range of cast members was well timed and you were well rehearsed. I particularly enjoyed your musical number I'm Your Man. You carried the role and courted your Princess Jasmine (Sue Fowler). Well done to you too Sue.

In this production The Mighty Jafar (Mary Walker) was the “baddy”. Mary you were suitably devious and wicked and got your boos from the audience. Your make up and costume were perfect. Both complimented your performance and your performance of Reviewing the Situation from the show Oliver was well performed.

The Genie (Jan Archbold) carried her costume sparkles self-confidently and the audience delighted in your solo “Big Wish Granter” to the music of Big Spender! You, embraced this role as your own.

The young members of this society never fail to delight their audience and the Street Urchins (Grace Millican and Bethany Cooper) just love being on stage and their smile permeates through to the cast and the audience. A special mention must go to young Grace Millican who also took on the role of Slave of the Ring. Grace was word perfect and she can also sing and dance very well.. She excelled in the performance Grease Lightening as did other members of the cast.

We had a magic carpet powered by electric that failed to start and so needed an RAC man (Matthew Taylor) and also an Emperor (Dave Price) who kept losing his moustache. It all adds to the hilarity of pantomime. And, what can I say about the appearance of Mr Blobby. Thank you for visiting this show, you were hilarious and especially so when you fell over and could not get up.

Lots of hard work had gone into getting things right. The show came to a sparkling finale with the cast performing Mr Blue Sky. The audience clapped and really enjoyed themselves. How fitting to brighten up dismal February days.

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

I would like to specifically commend you all for achieving and celebrating your 25-year anniversary. You must all be so proud of your achievements this year and over previous years. Over the 25 years your production programme pens the names of some very special members of the committee and supporters you have/have had. You have done a fantastic job and your efforts off stage are as important, if not more so, than those under the spotlights. Thank you for your loyalty and effort in supporting amateur dramatics. 

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