Aladdin Jr

The Disney version of Aladdin with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice was a challenge for Kirkham Grammar Junior School. The high standards set by their performance of “Beauty and the Beast” two years ago was certainly reached again. It was clear to see that an incredible amount of rehearsal had taken place and the whole school must be very proud of their achievements.   There was an exhilarating atmosphere from the start as  Junior 1 and Junior2 burst into the hall waving their arms and smiling, all oozing confidence.

Helen Shuttleworth Producer and Director and Shelley Stott, Director had ensured that every pupil was confident and secure about what was expected of them, whether as a Principal or as a Supporting Actor, Narrator or Chorus. It was a great team effort and I know thanks must go to teachers, parents and friends who have encouraged and supported this show.

All the principals played their roles with a maturity and confidence beyond their years and there is great hopes for their future whether or not they go into the professional theatre. They all worked together as a close-knit team and I am sure they will always remember the accolades they receved from the attentive and supportive audience.

We were all mesmerized as we were taken on a fantastic journey through this delightful story.  The sets were colourful and dramatic and added to the atmosphere. Costumes were outstanding and it was obvious the children were very proud to wear them. It is difficult to sing to a recorded backing track but the cast was not fazed at all. James Stacey as Aladdin played his role with confidence whilst Hennie Thompson looked and sounded perfect as Princess Jasmine. Congratulations to Rachel Watson for an energetic and imaginative performance as Iago the Parrot. She looked completely at home in the spotlight and I look forward to see her in further roles. The talented Oscar Harkins as Jafar convinced us all as the scheming advisor to the Sultan. He has a lovely resonant voice which he used to great effect. There was a great cameo role by James Shuttleworth as the Genie. He moved around the stage with confidence and style, showing good comic timing and he was a ‘hit’ with the audience. I particularly liked the group of Narrators who worked well together and had clearly rehearsed their accurate choral speaking. Well done.

Diction and projection was very good, at all times. It was very sensible to use microphones to enhance the young voices in the large hall.

All concerned deserve high praise for this outstanding production. I look forward to the next. Thank you for your very kind welcome to my wife and myself.

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