Aladdin

When December comes each year, it means that Christmas is approaching fast and pantomime season starting. I will have been lucky to see four by the end of the season. “Aladdin” is one of the top names in this genre of theatre and an excellent choice for Lancing Repertory Players. This particular script was written fifty years ago and had been updated by Sue Duncan, who was originally going to direct. Illness prevented this and Julie Knight took over and did a grand job of an enjoyable and pleasing production.

The title character, Aladdin (Kellie Aylward) was played confidently throughout the performance. His future bride was of course the Princess Letitia (Jennah Costan). They interacted well together and were a joy to watch. Aladdin also had the task of the “behind you” section which was handled well.

Speaking of audience participation, it was not Widow Twanky (George Lane) who had this task. His character was quite aloof and self-indulgent and was quite different from the traditional washerwoman image. Much of the audience participation was expertly done by Who Slung (Marlene Tincknell), Aladdin’s brother.

The unpleasant group of people trying to thwart Aladdin’s happiness were Abanazar (Simon Ancell), the Grand Vizier (Pete Plumb) and Emperor Hum Ding (Steve Southwell). We all had the greatest of pleasure with our boos and hisses for them.

Won Hi (Dolores Constable) and Won Low (Carol Clark) were the two silly policemen getting everything wrong. The Genie of the Lamp (Jenny Thomson) made several cheery appearances when summoned to assist Aladdin in his quest to gain a fortune and marry the Princess. Another four people made up the rest of the cast and helped boost the singing. A very good choice of songs.

The scenery for this company’s show is made and painted by the society members and as usual the sets were bright and cheerful - except appropriately for the dungeons - and it was very practical when the scene changes took place.

Thank you all for an entertaining and fun evening.  

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