Aladdin -Featuring the Wizard of YOS

What a fitting end to their 20th Anniversary year celebrations for Youth Onstage.

We were welcomed to this very special pantomime where all the musical numbers were taken from past productions with a script expertly written by author Paul Murphy. Each and every considered joke really made the audience laugh out loud. It was evident MD Joe Baldwin and choreographer  Amy Evans  had both worked hard putting the cast through their paces, the audience were treated to watching well rehearsed principals and also  supporting  villagers especially in the rousing company numbers. I loved ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Footloose’ and ‘We’re All in this Together’ to name but a few energetic ensemble musical numbers.

Within the traditional story line we meet Aladdin played with charisma by Erin Norman, every time I see Erin on stage she grows in confidence. Hoping to win the hand of Princess Jasmine played by Deanna Mullen who’s singing had a lovely tone during ‘On my Own’ and her duet with Erin ‘The Start of Something New’.  Jack Chambers was perfectly cast as the hilarious, colourful  larger than life character Widow Twankey, he appeared full of confidence plus I lost count of how many fabulous costume changes he accomplished! The story line as always was held together by the Widows son Wishee Washy played by the likeable Joseph Burley.

The audience were full of boos and hisses whenever total baddy Abanazer appeared, played by small but mighty Esme Read.

On this occasion it was the two nutty police officers PC Case -Gracie Evenden and PC Closed -Lucy Forrester who stole the show for me, their comedic timing plus on stage chemistry made for a wonderful partnership and their dance moves were superb with Gracie drawing my gaze whenever she was on stage. As they also appeared within the chorus numbers, they both had many quick costume changes.

The above were well supported by Emperor Peter and Empress Jane played by James Berryman and Phoebe Mason respectively.

Aoife Freeman had such an important cameo as the beautiful Rainbow. Albie Moore was the Ghost/Barrows and the imposing voice of the cave and Daniel Timmins played Forester/The servant.

Along with the villagers, Lilly Hunt ,Kayleigh Simpson, Katie Hunt and Michelle Osie-Mensah the whole cast looked like they were having such an enjoyable time performing together and entertaining their audience ,who could be heard joining in and singing along.

The cast and production team should be congratulated yet again on such an entertaining evening, the high standard of the performances with the addition of superb costumes, great choreography and the fantastic choices of musical numbers all finishing with a well-earned standing ovation on the night I attended.

Thank you so much for the invitation, very much looking forward to seeing what will be a first for me ‘Summer Holiday’.

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