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Aladdin

Author: Doreen Grierson (for Ben Clark)

Information

Date
2nd December 2012
Society
Margate Operatic Society
Venue
Winter Gardens Margate
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Stuart Clements
Musical Director
Phil Hughes
Choreographer
Donna Clements

This was my first visit to MOS standing in for Ben Clark who was a member of the cast. I was greeted by the front of house team and introduced to President Pat Browning. My thanks to her and the rest of the team for the hospitality and attention throughout.
I understand that this is the seventh pantomime written or co-written by Stuart Clements and, on this occasion, co-written with Harcus Copper. They certainly came up trumps with this one. All the right ingredients were there to provide something for the children as well as the young at heart. A familiar tale with the hard–up hero learning, even as he wins the princess, that there is more to life than power and riches. You throw in a robust dame and a leering villain together with song, dance and colourful, sparkly costumes and you have a winning combination.
Things don’t always go to plan though. Every society’s worst nightmare happened after the opening scene, there was a power failure. Workmen had severed a cable and plunged Margate into darkness. The Winter Gardens came up trumps and managed to get enough power going to continue the show, albeit half an hour later. Congratulations to Wishee (Harcus Copper) and Widow Twanky (Tony Price) who came onto stage and, completely off the cuff, kept the audience amused with jokes and a sing-song while we were waiting.
The production – well what can one say about excellence. The whole talented cast were all comfortable in their roles and this came across to the audience. The singing and dancing was well rehearsed and ably accompanied by Phil Hughes on keyboard and Dave White on percussion. The scenery and effects worked well, especially the ‘flying carpet’ scene. Although this was their last performance after a long week, it came across as still being as fresh as if it was their first.
I am the first to admit that I am not a great lover of panto but this was polished, spectacular theatre and has gone some way to, perhaps, making me change my mind! Thank you MOS for a very enjoyable show.

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