Aladdin

I look forward to the annual production of Alnwick Theatre Club 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. Our pantomime was set in Alnwickabar!

The script was written by Sophie Towers. Sophie describes her thinking in writing the script and it being based on the traditional Ali Baba and his magical lamp but also a script permeated with more modern ideas.

The performance opened with the Scheherazade (Caroline Croud) setting before the audience a clear narrative of what was to follow.

Aladdin was played by Phillippa Mawer whose destiny it was to find true love and this was achieved in the meeting with Princess Jasmine played by Eliza Sandford. Your duet I’m Levitating was well performed and Eliza I also enjoyed your song Eye of the Tiger.

Wishy Washy Wishy was played by Harrison Skene and he was by far one of the liveliest characters on stage. He smiled and appeared to be engrossed in his role and quickly established a rapport with the audience that was evident throughout his time on stage. I particularly enjoyed your antics with the guitar and Dire Straits song Money for Nothing.

The on-stage mother of Wishy Washy Wishy, Dame Widow Twankey was played by Archie Braid and he was a Dame with a difference. Pantomime dames are traditionally middle aged and upwards and ooze confidence. I am unsure about the age aspect but Archie was a confident performer who pulled off the role in his interaction with the audience. He balanced humour with inuendo and the traditional slapstick of pantomime. The dame costumes were different and did not always portray the glamour we expect from a dame. This was a show that moved the audience a distance from the traditional.  

Two characters who played off each other, delighting their audience were Max (Lesley Waters) and Paddy (Bradley Hedley) They barely had to speak and the audience laughed and at the show I attended I think Bradley had his own fan club in the audience. Well done to you both for giving us so many laughs.

A familiar face on stage at Alnwick is Jimmy Dodds who was Abanazar. This “baddy” brought the expected boos and he provoked the audience into participation. Jimmy, you struck the balance of being “over the top evil” as opposed to terrifying. We did enjoy disliking you. The sultan was played by Alex Vint and you captured the grandiose features the role attracts.

Genie of the Lamp was Adam Bell and I did like your dramatic entrance to the stage. I must also mention Hump the Camel (Amy Snaith) who stole affection with the audience sing-a-long - Hump the Magic Camel..

There were some stunning stage sets particularly the Sultan’s Palace and the scene in the President’s Office in the White House. I also liked the sound effects of the washing machine in Widow Twankey’s laundry.

The costumes were colourful but not all maximised the character wearing them as much as costumes could and some blended into the backdrop rather than contrasting with it.

A final word must go to the dancers from Alnwick Academy of Dance. Your performance was captivating and added to the energy within the show. Your attire looked professional and you all clearly enjoy what you do and this spills into the audience. Your performance that opened the second act was a talented performance. Well done to you all.

Your backstage crew are also to be thanked and commended. Without them a show on stage would not be possible so a shout of thanks to you all.

I had an enjoyable evening and thank you for your invitation.

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