Aladdin

        ALADDIN                           4th February 26

Valley Arts and Social Society                           Hemyock Parish Hall

Producer Stuart Summers              Musical Director Zelda Gray

Choreographer Carla Lloyd             Technical Director John Gray 

Artistic Director Mike Hussey        Sound Graham Reeks 

Lighting Kevin Stratton 

In the countryside of Devon there lies a village called Hemyock and in the village is the Parish Hall and what took place there on a wintry wet evening was the Annual Pantomime and my oh my what a Pantomime ,one that would cheer anyone up and put a real smile on your face along with belly laughs to boot!

Aladdin was the panto and you can always tell from the opening if its going to be good. VASS did not disappoint.

The casting was done well; there was not one weak link!

It was great to see a refreshing script and with Bradford and Webster you couldn’t miss. Great writers!

The costumes were colourful and luxurious along with clever lighting and sound, you could hear every word!

Acting and timing was skilful, just a treat to watch and when the cast are enjoying performing you know the audience are going to enjoy it too and this, they lapped up!

Aladdin -Andy 

He did well not only looked every inch the part but had a super singing voice and acted convincingly.

Princess Jasmine- Lorraine 

 Jasmine looked a princess and complemented Aladdin; they looked good together, made a great couple and sang well. A convincing relationship.

Widow Twankey-Kevin  

What can I say, other than I hoped his voice lasted for the other performances, needless to say you could hear every word and with clarity! His enthusiasm was beyond measure, a really super performance, commanding the stage at every entrance, although I did feel sorry for him when the hat complete with iron, kept slipping but he coped with it well and had some super outfits!

Wishee Washee -Alanna 

Great stage presence and got the audience going, she put her heart and soul into the role, and it paid off, great stuff, Such energy!

Abanazer -Geoff

I have never seen Abanazer portrayed the way it was done, and I mean that as a compliment. He was laid back, in a take it or leave it sort of attitude, with superb facial expressions and moves. He really brought out the comedy and yet the real nastiness of the character at the same time. A superb performance, even using the occasional need for prompts to his advantage which delighted the audience.

Hi-Vikki and Lo-Ben

They complemented each other like a pair of gloves! Great lines and bounced off each other well, a great comedy duo, up to no good!

Jeani The Genie-Sonia

With a twinkle in her eye and tongue in her cheek, came over well; a super character she made her own.

Tingaling -Carla 

Maid to the princess who gave a wonderfully sincere portrayal of such tender loyalty towards Princess Jasmine, some nice touches.

Slave of the ring- Chris

He did a superb job bringing a whole different slant to this role.  I couldn’t wait for him to appear again, a unique and terrific performance!

The Empress of Peking-Caroline

Made a super Empress, snotty, stuck up and great speaking voice. She got the role just right and commanded the stage every time she appeared!

PC27- Gillian  PC 51-Becky and PC 39 -Danniel 

They made an excellent trio of real funniness, every time they appeared you just knew you were going to have a laugh, and they delivered their lines with great timing.

Bystanders did well and reacted well along with Mini Wishee who obviously relished her role and hopefully this will lead to greater things in the future

The choice of songs was very good indeed and great to bring in “Big Spender” a great touch along with super choreography

The extra touches in the auditorium with front of house dressing in appropriate attire and the two young “policewomen” moving among the audience in the interval distributing “Wanted” posters for the capture of Aladdin added greatly to the experience.

This was a wholesome village panto that was done with great skill and joyful enthusiasm. It had a special atmosphere of its own and this is what pantomimes are all about.

I send heartfelt congratulations to all concerned especially to Stuart Summers, Zelda Gray and Carla Lloyd on what was a superb panto!

Graham Liverton

NODA Immediate Past President 

 

 

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