Aladdin

This was my first experience of Ashford Theatre Company – and it started outside, before we had taken our seats in the Community hall venue. My goodness the excitement among both the adults and children queuing was immediately evident. The excitement, smiles and anticipation was palpable, and it was clear that this enthusiasm was based on previous experiences. Excited chatter, wriggling in seats, flashing toys and then immediate silence, and then the fun began.

Baddie Rae Anderson – Abanazer – drew the boos immediately. Great stage presence, confident and characterful. Bobbie-Marie Stamp as Spirit of the Ring – knows her craft. A confident and a talented actor, who also choreographed the show. Congratulations – your dancers were excellent. I was amazed how effective they were – in unison, clearly talented and professional. I was really impressed how well they used the very limited space on stage. Super teamwork. (The stage that while taking the whole width of the hall was relatively shallow in relation to ‘normal’ stages.) Our Aladdin was Charlie Sparrow - excellent – a great smile – and again excellent vocals. We knew he would get the girl and win the day – with confidence. Oh yes, he did! Adam Coleman our Simon – was exceptional among a cast of fabulous performers. Actor, singer and great mover – and Simon, we could see you loved every minute on that stage. Most people who were there would not have heard of Tommy Steel (1950/60’s legend) – but you had his energy and sparkling stage presence. Hayden Rolfe I love that you were called PC World and was clearly enjoying his role. Again – confident and totally believable what a joy to have such a wonderfully talented cast. Well, well, well – what can I say about Dame Dotty? Super-duper – Your 10th year as dame, what a trooper! Everything you did, everything you said – even to the nice chap in the audience who you bewitched (Jamie) was a gem. You really know your craft – and it was clear that you loved every minute on stage. Fabulous! Stunning Robin Norman our Princess Jasmine. Gorgeous, and again, an excellent vocalist. Every little girl in the audience wished they were you. Molly Spence – Genie of the Lamp was coincidentally Dance Captain Molly along with Bobbie Marie you both worked magic with your excellent dance routines. I’m amazed how you managed on point choreography in such a small area. Your ‘troupe’ did you proud.

Of course, this splendid afternoon’s entertainment would not have made it on stage without the Creative Team. Alan Stamp – Director - is clearly a powerhouse. I don’t think this young man has any boundaries on his imagination and ambition for your theatre group. There are so many more people to congratulate – all your Creative Team who work in the background to bring your super production to life. A special mention for the flying carpet with Aladdin and Princess Jasmine onboard. Awesome - it did fly up, down, and across the stage! Super-duper What a blast! Congratulations to you all of you from Director Alan to your leads to ensemble and your technical crew, I have boundless admiration for you all. Such fun! Thank you.

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