Aladdin

Bacup Royal Court Theatre Group kindly invited me to write a show report for their latest production ‘Aladdin’ the pantomime. The story of a young, poor boy who finds a magic lamp, earns himself a genie, falls in love with a princess and gets into a whole lot of mischief along the way. This family friendly pantomime ticked all the right boxes. Rachael O’Hara, as Director, and Choreographer, produced a great paced, vibrant pantomime with plenty of larger-than-life characters. The antics of the cast caused the audience to laugh aloud throughout. It is always nice to see the members of Bacup’s youth societies, BYTES and BESTS joining the adults for the pantomime season. It is heartwarming to see youth talent raising year on year. I did enjoy Rachael’s choreography; moves were simple but looked effective. The ensemble moved in unison, no errant arms or legs, just large smiles on faces. The cast were enjoying themselves and it showed in their movements. Dansworks Dance Academy performed other routines. These were colourful and energetic, musical numbers such as ‘Diamonds’ (Rhianna) looked beautiful as the dancers spun and swirled, dresses sparkling under the stage lights. Movements were tight, synchronised.’ Shake It Off’ (Taylor Swift) was energetic and very well organised, as there was not much room with Wished Washee bouncing around. The Dansworks dancers also joined the fun with the ensemble, appearing in many scenes, clearly having fun. The Lighting Design by Andy Holden was well crafted. Green and cyan lights picked out the scenes with Abanazar, blues followed Alexa, whilst tight spotlights picked out soloists. Sound by Rob Hames and team was clear, a good mix of vocals to music, with no feedback or open microphones. Sound effects were prompt. Stage Manager Paul Ashworth, also instrumental in building the set, kept all departments running smoothly, scene changes were slick, unobtrusive. I did like the Empresses palace, the columns decorated with hieroglyph inspired artwork, the golds and reds looked striking. All departments pulled together to create an engaging production.

Playing the titular role of Aladdin, was Ellen-Rose Pilkington. Ellen was effervescent as the cheeky young protagonist. With a bold stance, impressive dialogue, and strong vocals in ‘Diamonds’ Ellen was great for this role. I particularly enjoyed the cave scene, where Aladdin found the lamp, I loved the combination of lighting and dance accompanying the vocals. The glitter balls casting light onto the audience added to the effect. Ellen had great timing, the onstage costume change happened in the blink of an eye, well done. Aladdin was duped into getting the lamp by the evil Abanazar. Gary Waugh threw himself into the role of bad guy with aplomb. He jeered at the audience and was met with ‘boos’ whenever he sidled onto the stage. He employed a deep booming evil laugh and constantly addressed the audience with sneering remarks. The younger members of the audience cried out as Abanazar tried to manipulate Aladdin and his family. ‘How Bad Can I Be (The Lorax) was a smart choice of song, the audience actively sang along. Joshua-Callum Rawlinson played the role of the dame, Widow Twanky. Twanky was the laundress to the royal family, and mother of Aladdin and Wishee Washee. Joshua looked resplendent in a beautifully quaffed green wig and immaculate makeup. Twanky had some hilarious scenes, and great interaction with the audience. The facial expressions Joshua employed were comical and jokes were delivered with swift timing. I thought the bathtub scene with Suzie Pong was well executed, Twanky and Pong rolled out a bathtub whilst blindfolded for modesty’s sake. The ensuing scene was hilarious, but also impressive. The two actors had tight timing and the full body suit worn by Twanky looked comical. What struck me, was I could see right down into the bath but at no point did I see the extravagant green sequinned floor length gown hiding in the tub, nor could I see the very quick change as the Genie provided clothing. Well done all involved in that scene. The role of Aladdin’s lazy brother Wishee Washee was played by Jenny-Mae O’Reilly. Jenny-Mae was very comical through the whole production, the audience shouting out whenever Wishee appeared. I applaud the levels of enthusiasm and energy, simply boundless. For me, Wishee’s crowning moment was entering the stage, cheerleading to ‘Shake It Off’ whilst dressed in an air filled, giant panda suit. I cried laughing at the silly costume and dance moves, it was impossible to dance in the suit and was hilarious to watch.

Aladdin, as the story goes, finds a lamp at the behest of Abanazar. After vexing Abanazar, Aladdin is abandoned in the cave of wonders. Where he rubbed the lamp, and the Genie appeared. Emmeline Greenwood cut a fine figure as the infamous Dginn. The Genie had to have quick responses, often required to distract the audience whilst a change happened on stage, Emmeline had natural comedy timing, her responses were timed exactly right. I thought the actual sprinkling of magic was funny, especially when Genie half heartedly sprinkled a few bits of dust on Abanazar whilst liberally dousing Aladdin. silly moments that worked well. Princess Jasmine, the petulant daughter of the Empress, and love interest of Aladdin was played by Taylor Goulding. Jasmine, unseen by anyone outside the palace, escaped for the day, met Aladdin, and fell in love with him, only to be captured by Abanazar, as his bid to rule the kingdom. Taylor had a natural stage presence, with a straight poise and confident delivery. ‘Chippy Tea’ (The Lancashire Hotpots) was a jolly funny song, which had the audience singing along. ‘Like A Prayer’ (Madonna) was a strong rendition, highlighting Taylor’s vocal abilities, the clarity of the notes ringing out, just lovely. Suzie Pong, owner of the local bathhouse, and consequently the only person outside the palace to have gazed upon the princess, was played by Gill Richardson. Her scenes were comical, her song ‘Suddenly I See’ (K T Tunstall) was sung with the accent, whilst not impeding the notes. The Vizier to the Empress was played by Guy Gibbs. When the princess absconded, the Vizier had to change from pompous dignitary to simpering princess with the help of Suzie. The unwitting Empress offers Jasmine’s hand to Abanazar, the not so dainty deep voice of the Vizier singing gives the game away. Guy was comical as he changed his strait-laced character for a comely maid. The comedy duo of Chop Chop and Na Na were played by Cerys- Leigh Pearson and Emily Chaplin, respectively. Employed by the royal police force, these two bumbling numpties were constantly on and off the stage as their names were called out. Using slapstick comedy and quibbling between themselves, Cerys and Emily were an audience favourite. With an abundance of energy these two actors raced around whilst delivering lines and falling over. Well done both. Covered completely in a silver costume, with silver wig and makeup, Summer Holden played, Alexa, Slave of the Ring. Under the control of Abanazar, Alexa did his bidding. Summer was impressive in this role, her stance and deportment was rigid throughout, she was after all, a robot. A notable character portrayal from Summer. Kobi Mottley donned a duck outfit for his role of Quackers. The pet of Widow Twanky and her two sons. Quackers went on the quest to save Jasmine, Kobi had great timing, rushing on whenever the audience shouted out. I did enjoy the musical number ‘Bills’ (Lunch Money Lewis) with Twanky, Wishee and Quackers, it was fun, lively, and entertaining. Trying to chop everyone’s heads off was the Empress, played by Carla Kershaw. Overprotective, powerful and in charge, the Empress ordered Twanky, Wishee and Quackers to return the princess as Aladdin narrowly escaped the executioners blade. John Parry was imposing as the executioner, and Ruby O’Connor gave the audience a laugh and a scare as Mini Mummy. Every actor on stage gave their all to entertain their audience. If I have not mentioned you personally, do not take offence, there are often too many people to name everyone individually.

Bacup Royal Court Theatre put on a lively pantomime, the audience response of joining in and laughing along was testament to their hard work as a society. I would like to thank Bacup for extending and invite to me and my plus one. We had a wonderful time and look forward to many more productions from Bacup in the future.

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