Aladdin

Aladdin is a panto classic which had been given a twist by being written by one of CATS’ own who also directed it. The creative team had done a great job of transforming a school hall into the Great Pyramids, downtown Peking and also, er, the Staffordshire Moorlands! Always good to big up the local area especially as Yorkshire gets plenty of mentions although I am never quite sure if the writer put his home county in there himself or whether it’s the cast going rogue! Either way, it all sets the tone for the fabulous irreverence that is panto!

It was opening night and a few gremlins were in evidence but were mostly masked by the enthusiasm of the cast. The music used was great although maybe a song or two more could have rounded out a performance of this length. I also hope the heating situation was resolved for the rest of the run as the temperature in the auditorium was not comfortable. But these things are sent to try us in the amateur world and the audience were having a great time anyway which is what it is all about! Costumes throughout were lovely even if the dame’s wig tried to get itself a starring role by attaching itself to the overhead washing during the laundry scene! Not great for the actor but we thought it was hilarious! Great use was made again of the screen depicting the cast going on a train journey at the local steam train station.

The cast saw some returning CATS favourites. Credit to Sam Askey for stepping up into a lead role as Aladdin; he has appeared several times for CATS now as he continues to develop himself as a performer. Well done! Back in his dame makeup was Ian Wood as Widow Twankey who again created that special brand of panto chaos as only the Dame can. Wishee Washee was well played by Caroline Stokes who also very well handled a malfunctioning washing machine door! Samantha Hughes-Johnson gave us a fabulously snooty performance as The Empress Typhoo (and also gave us a lovely rendition of China in your Hands!) who was desperate to marry off Princess Peke-a-Boo (Libby Matthews)to the highest bidder, despite her obvious resistance! Libby gave us a lovely performance of the cosseted Princess who wanted to marry for love. Much of the comedy was provided by Yu Dun Wong (Jessie Austin) and Hu Dun Pong (Tim Ray) as the bungling police force with their trademark “nee-naw” theme and we were also treated to a couple of appearances from One-Chop (Isaac Ellerton) and his enormous chopper! Ahem, sorry, too much half term panto!

Kayleigh Sims popped in from time to time as the Spirit of the Ring and Jason Greenwood exploded onto the stage as the Genie of the Lamp, complete with huge pink wig and feather boa! Both helped our intrepid hero Aladdin on his quest to be worthy to marry the Princess.

And our villain! Every panto must have one as we save up all our boos and hisses just for them! And whilst I know Dan Ede Smith has range as a performer, he really was built to play a panto villain! No encouragement was needed for the audience to boos, hiss, holler and heckle whenever he appeared!

A shout out must go to the dancers who were on and off stage throughout giving depth to scenes as well as treating us to some solo work, well done.

I don’t normally mention the prompt as part of the cast but she had more lines than some of the characters!! In true panto style, this was all turned into a joke and a giggle, particularly by the Dame. But our villain Dan learned a valuable lesson – mock thy prompt and thy next line will magically fall out of your head as if by magic!! One portion of humble pie for Mr Smith! It was extremely funny though!

Half term fun was had by the audience who had turned out in force to support their local group and went away happy. Many thanks for the invite and the hospitality and I look forward to next time.

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