Aladdin

It was lovely to come on a wet winter evening and be warmly welcomed into your venue. It was interesting to read ‘A word from out Producer’ in the programme about aspects of the story and issues you have had to overcome this year to produce your pantomime. It was great to meet with your enthusiastic audience with some younger members in costume all looking forward to the show.

When seated in the auditorium we were greeted with a curtained stage with floral images projected on it. There were steps set from the upper stage onto the apron and steps down from the apron to the floor.  The musical director’s equipment was set up on the apron at stage left. 

I read with interest your issues with scenery but was delighted to see what you had been able to produce with the artistic ability of your Abanazar. He has the ability to add depth and lots of interesting detail. We were transported from a pyramid to a street scene, an inevitable laundry to the cave entrance, inside the cave to the palace.  The variety of items included in the laundry scene were excellent and had the audience on the edge of their seats waiting to see what would happen next. The large props worked really well especially the magic carpet and the mobility scooter. All the personal props were well used by the members of the cast.  The scene changes were well managed and I would like to mention here the quick-thinking stagehand who appeared to right the piece of falling scenery. I did wonder if it might be an idea to dress your stage crew in costumes, that would make them less visible, well done for your rapid moves.

The sound and lighting were controlled from the back of the hall. The lights were set on bars across and on the side of the hall and on the stage. A gobo was used to project changing images during the performance. Speakers were placed both stage left and right and was set at an appropriate level which made sure the text and song lyrics were heard by the audience.

It was again great to see your Musical Director positioned on stage so he could easily interact with the cast and ensure all the time he had spent teaching the numerous musical numbers and harmonies you chose were delivered with the correct pitch and intonation. His musical skills shone out as he swopped instruments with ease and was able to add musical effects to incidents on stage.

Your choreographer with the help of her assistant had used the skills of those on stage to ensure they were able to perform at a level they were confident at. It was evident that time had been taken to practice all the routines. All your members included moved with ease. It was also lovely to see some of those members from last year were able to move to more complex dances. Members of the Stars and Diamonds chorus were happy to perform either on the apron or in the aisle. I would also like to mention the routine performed by your choreographer and producer, very professionally delivered.

I have been in charge of wardrobe for many years and it is a time-consuming task so I’m not sure how your producer had time to be in charge of the costumes and produce the show. She though with her assistants made sure that all your cast members were beautifully attired in outfits suitable to their roles. There were a wide variety of different sets from beautifully embroidered tops to ‘Freddie Mercury’ pink and black costumes with moustaches. The inflatable outfits certainly added detail without weight. The costumes were well fitting and all the accessories added detail. I liked the fact that hair, make up and footwear had been considered.

The first player we encounter was the Professor of Egyptology attired in a cream suit and pith helmet which was just right for the weather, who when leading a tour.   He created a believable character, spoke clearly with an effeminate twang, unwittingly released Abanazar from his jail and from that period on was under his power.

Abanazar gave a powerful performance as one of the best-known baddies. He looked the part and embodied his character with a great voice, excellent stage presence and happily stirred the audience up to boo him.  I really enjoyed him in his ‘granny on L plates’ disguise on the mobility scooter and the ‘full moon, half-moon, total eclipse’ had the audience in stiches.

The Spirit of the Ring was the first magical character to arrive and was under the power of Abanazar. Her gold outfit added to her magical feel and she delivered her lines in a cool clear way and showed her displeasure at having to follow his rules.

The actor portraying Wishee with his monobrow was certainly not the brightest. ‘His’ text could be clearly heard; he moved with ease and ‘he’ interacted brilliantly with the audience adding lots of comedy to the show.

The next character was Wishee’s and Aladdin’s mum Widow Twankey who had some fabulous costumes. He created a larger-than-life character with good comic timing and tuneful voice. Personally, I am not a fan of a Dame with a long beard I find it distracting, saying that he interacted well with those on stage and in the audience and kept the call and response going.

The Sultan appeared next with his security team, his costume gave him an upper class feel and he spoke with an undulating voice. He was determined to achieve his goal and instructed his team clearly.  His security team followed him diligently.

The law enforcement team were next to arrive. The Chief Inspector was excellent with ‘his’ painted on handlebar moustache and French accent.  ‘He’ encompassed the character and was totally oblivious that her pronouncement of Bobby as ‘Booby’ upset his PC. PC Booby face was suitably made up with a fake beard and was at the Inspector’s beck and call. Dashing around the stage at times trying to apprehend Aladdin. ‘His’ exasperation with his name being pronounced wrong was great. They made an exceptional duo and Bobby’s inclusion in the laundry scene was brilliant.

Aladdin arrived on stage dressed in pink and gold after evading the police. ‘He’ had clear diction but was a little quiet at times. Aladdin constantly relied on Wishee who luckily was willing to assist. ‘He’ moved and sang well and created an excellent partnership with Princess Jasmine their trip on the magic carpet was lovely and duets very well presented.

The next players to arrive on stage were the Sultan’s daughter Princess Jasmine and her companion Lilly. There had a wonderful rapport between them and exchanged clothing.  Jamine’s costumes were as expected of a Princess; she knew her own mind but was mindful of her father’s ideas. She delivered her lines clearly, sang with feeling and was very competent in all her dance numbers. Lilly played her part with panache; she backed up Jasmine but was also circumspect with some of her decisions.  Her text was spoken well and she moved with feeling. Their duet was excellent.

The Genie of the Lamp exploded onto the stage in white trousers, silver top, puffer jacket and mirrored helmet with dark visor. She may have only had a small part to play in the pantomime but what a big personality she had an outstanding example of the saying ‘there are no small parts, only small players’ showing that even a smaller role can take the stage by storm. Which she did! The interaction between her and the Spirit of the Ring was great in the panto song.

The Ladies, Stars and Diamonds chorus were fully integrated in the show giving enthusiastic performances. They knew their song lyrics and were proficient in their dance moves it was also lovely to see that they had been instructed in the stage craft of interaction without volume.

Lastly, I would like to mention your young Statues group. It was lovely to see them show the difference between their need to move and stand still. It will be interesting to see the skills they have now developed. Well done.

You produced a very entertaining traditional pantomime with all the expected which your audience loved. Thank you for brightening up the evening.  Congratulations to all those either on stage or behind the scenes

Before I end, I would like to congratulate your on winning your CDA awards it was good to see all your hard work paid off.

 Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.