Aladdin

I was delighted to accept an invitation to visit the WADAMS production of “Aladdin”.   This traditional pantomime had all the key requirements, with a hard working cast and plenty of enthusiasm.  The production appealed to differing age groups on varying levels and the cast worked extremely hard to involve the audience through the many interactions that are typical of this genre.    Clark Wilkinson’s original script, his third for the society, provided the foundations for an entertaining and enjoyable pantomime.

Eric Finlay as always was a convincing Dame holding the production together in more ways than one as he also doubled as Artistic Director; this is not an easy task in a fast moving production such as pantomime, particularly where you are also one of the lead characters.    Eric was ably supported by Shirley McLean as Wishee Washee, Maynall Weir as the Emperor and Philip Sharples as PC Pong who all added to good comedy elements.

Maddie Edgar as Aladdin and Victoria Sharples as Princess Jasmine were a good combination as principal boy and girl and both had some excellent musical interludes.   Katie Weir as the Slave of the ring and Daniel MacCreedy as larger than life Genie were certainly the most mismatched twins I have ever seen, but this worked well and added another comic area in the production. Jack Pike played the evil Abanzar this is difficult character for someone young but he played it well.

Musical Director Mark Hazzard is a newcomer to the society and he did an excellent job in provided a wide range of modern musical numbers which complemented the production and kept the pace of the show moving.

Lighting and sound worked very well, the choreography was good and and the traditional style costumes were excellent especially the very colorful finale.   One thing I liked in particular was the “Magic Carpet Ride” which was very cleverly done and which added some real magic to the production with the principal boy floating, seemingly effortlessly, around the stage whilst sing “Defying Gravity”.

Congratulations to Eric and his team for a very enjoyable production. Long may they continue to uphold the WADAMS tradition of producing a traditional pantomime in the town at Christmas. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.

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