Aladdin

The attractive programme was a foretaste of the good things to come. It was packed with information and good pictures of the cast and crew.

Ben Crocker’s Aladdin script is clever and funny; and Molesey Musical Theatre did it proud.

The voice-over introduction was very nicely done; and set the scene for the production. The excellent sound effects were amusing and well timed. Musical accompaniment was clear and harmonious; and didn’t dominate the singing. Stage lighting was always attractive and appropriate. Scene projections were used effectively.

There was a gorgeous array of costumes for the large cast. These contributed to the high standard of the production. Props and furniture were good throughout, but particularly in the Laundry scene, where Nobby gets flattened.

Tim Stannard was an excellent Abanazar…he was consistently good at being bad. Don’t wait another forty years for your next performance, Tim. He summoned the Genie of the Ring, Sara Giaccotto, and later on the Genie of the lamp, played by Marie Riordan. Both were attractive and clear spoken; and gave good performances.

Then the charming MDA dancers opened the action; and were joined by the ensemble in Wake Up, Boo !

A Policeman’s Lot was well sung by Ping (Wendy Tyler) & Pong (Iain Cannell). The chorus was astonishingly good…it could have been D’Oyly Carte!

Aladdin (Lucie-Mae Cooper) was perky and heroic and Princess Jasmine (Darcey Conway) sparkled. They acted and sang beautifully together.

Ben Miles gave an energetic Wishee Washee. He wound up the audience superbly in a very funny and physical performance. Dave Jemitus also enjoyed playing a Dame for the first time…the formidable Widow Twankey.

Rebecca Wilkes played Nobby the Panda with terrific non-verbal expression and communication. She made him a complete fully-rounded character.

This year, the noble Paul Cox was promoted from King to Emperor and celebrated his elevation with several tumbling exercises. Whatever next ?

And the MMT Ensemble worked their socks off to give fine support throughout.

The Laundry scene was an absolute hoot. Twankie, Wishee Washee and Nobby created great visual hilarity. And the Twelve Days of Christmas was pure comic mayhem.

You Can’t Stop the Beat was the fast finale number from the whole company.

Congratulations to director, James Fortune. You and your team have created a very fine pantomime, certainly the finest that we have seen from MMT.

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