Aladdin Jnr

I was welcomed by the Director, Deborah Marks, who explained that the group, which was formed fifteen years ago, consists of juniors aged from 5 to sixteen years old. The script followed the traditional Aladdin storyline of Aladdin, a street urchin who releases the Genie from the lamp and is then granted three wishes. Flynn McDonald, as Aladdin, performed this role really well and, with his side kicks Babkak (Zachary Davis), Omar (Miguel Meira) and Kassim(Eleanor Campbell) provided much of the action and all worked well together. I particularly liked their singing, with the company, of “One Jump Ahead”. The romantic interest, Princess Jasmine, was played with great charm but also determination by Megan Robbins, ably assisted by her attendants, Isir (Anya Rayner), Manal ( Ella Cox) and Rajah (Evie Felton). Jasmine’s father, the Sultan was played by Brydie McDonald and he was keen to marry Jasmine to Prince Abdullah. Needless to say, Jasmine fell in love with Aladdin and there was a delightful duet by them in Act Two of “A Whole New World”. Of course there was a ‘baddie’ Jafir ( Poppy Judd) and his assistant, Iago (Ruby Wiles) who were plotting to make Jafir the Sultan.

Ted Collins, as the Genie was incredibly convincing, self assured and acted out the part really well. He had a strong singing voice as evidenced in his solo of “Friend Like Me” . I especially liked the “firecracker” which announced his appearance on stage. Very effective.

I was impressed with all the cast who had obviously been very well rehearsed by Director, Deborah Marks and choreographer, Gemma Field. The dancing was very well co-ordinated with even the youngest members of the cast moving in time with the music. No mean feat so well done everyone.

The set, designed by Deborah Marks ,was very colourful and extremely flexible. Stage Manager, Trevor Marks, achieved a fairly seamless change of scenes with some amazing props by Debbie Robbins, including the Magic Carpet..

The costumes, provided by the society, were extravagant and colourful and utterly right for this production. They really helped to set the scenes and added so much to show life as it was in anand exuberant Arabian town.

Sound, designed by Halstead Empire Theatre and Jason Osman was good although there were times when it was difficult to hear Aladdin’s words when he sang. Hopefully Flynn will learn to project his voice more and will gain in confidence as he matures.

Special congratulations to all the chaperones who must sometimes have had a difficult time in controlling such enthusiastic and exuberant juniors.

This was a sparkling production by a group of talented young people, inspired by Debbie Marks. I enjoyed the evening immensely and it was all the more fascinating as I had had no prior views as to how this production would unfold.

Well done everyone and best wishes to you all.

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