Aladdin Jr Disney

A huge well done to Goole Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (AODS) who are going from strength to strength with their Junior Section.  It’s only a couple of years since their first Junior production,  but the group continues to support new members and develop their existing cohort to showcase the talent of the area.

The Disney Jr productions provide an opportunity to perform some well-known musicals, but also present a range of challenges as audience expectations are high.  However, Goole AODS bring their own originality and find ways to offer lots of opportunities with a cast of over 30, many of whom had speaking parts.

The opening saw Genie, Leo Dillon, welcome the audience to one of the tales of the Arabian Nights.  Dillon had great presence adorned in his all blue make up and costume with confident projection and clear delivery.  ‘Arabian Nights’ is a difficult opening number, but the Company did a great job of setting the scene with well-themed costumes and clever props, including simple, but effectively designed ‘merchants stands’.

Robert Broderick was a most evil Jafar with a wicked laugh and mean intent which he never let slip throughout the production.  He was well supported by Lyzander Shaw as Iago, Jafar’s side kick, whose physicality was great for this role.  Levi Peniston was very refined as the Sultan, with great delivery and excellent comic timing.  Aladdin’s friends, Leon Winton, Emelia Wright, Oliver Jones, Lydia Moore and Sydney Head brought humour to the piece with their clever one-liners and comedy movement.

Princess Jasmine was confidently played by Millie Farmer who was well-supported by Grace Smith, Faith Hewlett and Darci Burton as her attendants Isir, Manal and Rajah.  Farmer worked well with Jaxson Skinner particularly in their duet “Whole New World”.  Skinner, whose debut with the Society saw him play the title role, was an energetic and cheeky Aladdin who entertained and won over the audience in equal measure.  Mention should also be made of Poppy Legge who really made the most of being the Magic Carpet.

The whole cast did a great job of building the tension towards the climax of the show and ‘High Adventure’ was particularly well delivered.  The show had super costumes, make-up and was supported with excellent projections, sound and light.

It was super to hear that Director William Knight and the Committee responded to requests from the young people to have a longer rehearsal period because they ‘enjoy the experience and being together’.  This is a great advert for the group, because whilst the end performance is important the enjoyment the young people experience to get to that point shines a brilliant spotlight on the work of this Society to nurture young members and provide a valuable performance opportunity in the community.  With some young members also working with the senior society this demonstrates great succession planning and embeds the society in the community for years to come.

The colourful and high-quality programme references every individual performer and their recognition is well-deserved.  The Committee and Production Team clearly value their Junior Section offering workshops later in the year.  I look forward to hearing about their plans for 2025 and congratulate everyone involved for their hard work to continue to build the group and develop valuable links in the community.

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