ALADDIN and HIS WONDERFUL LAMP

How lovely to be back at Stage 1, in the appealing setting of St Andrew’s Church, an inclusive performance space, which enables the cast and audience to feel at one.

The set was minimal, but colourful and worked well – the sedan chair, draped structures and clouds created the feel of the piece.  Lighting was very suitable and enhanced the production, whilst sound was good throughout – the benefit to this venue is that on stage mics work well and there is no need for personal mics, so projection is key, which in the main was excellent.

Costumes were all bright, colourful and suited the wearers, I know Stage 1 have a plethora of costumes, but they always look fresh.

Musically there were a couple of numbers that the cast were not sure of, but they all gave their best and created some nice sounds.

Sophie Robinson (Aladdin) proved she could lead the cast well, and created good relationships with the rest of the cast and the Princess in particular.  Sienna Myhill (Princess Lotus Blossom), looked the part and sang very well.  A good pairing.

Rebecca Ajayi (Genie of the Lamp) looked striking in her royal blue costume, and showed great improvement and control, with Grace Yirrell (Genie of the Ring) looking charming in her pink costume, giving us plenty pf expression and showing promise – a good contrasting pairing.

Jack Snell and Sophia D’Arcy (The Emperor and Empress) were a very regal couple and interacted well.

Rosie Scanlon and Darcie Doherty (Princess Rose Bud and Princess Orange Petal) looked delightful and acted well in their scenes with Lotus Blossom.  They also played Omo and Bisto with verve.

Abigail Doran and Neve Yirrell (PC’s Ping and Pong) gave us the right degree of severity for their characters, with some nice comedy thrown in.

Caitlyn Hackett (Abanazar) spoke extremely well, however I would have liked a little more evil thrown into the mix, however she looked the part and was strong in her delivery.  Esme Kendall (Mustapha) created a good sidekick, I liked the vibe between this pair.

Isla Hackett (Wishy Washy) gave us a very good character, taking on the fun, comedy  element well, a lovely bright face and very clear voice. 

Briony Gannon-Webster (Mrs Wong) showed great improvement and projected well.

Finally, we had Angel Bayliss (Widow Twankey) – this young lady has a great understanding of the requirements of a pantomime character and performed the part with great panache, good interaction with the audience too.  Very well done.

I think we all enjoyed the audience participation song, which tested our abilities and memory, but was great fun.

Overall, a delightful production with some good performances from a pleasing cast, who enjoyed themselves whilst delivering a nicely rounded production. 

My thanks to Stage 1 for their hospitality, I enjoyed my evening very much.

Nova Horley

NODA Representative - NODA East District 3

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