Arabian Nights

How do you persuade a wounded, emotionally damaged king not to execute you in the morning? Why tell him a fantastic, imaginative story each night leaving him with a tantalising cliffhanger so that he will beg for more!  This is the theme of the ‘Arabian Nights’, a wonderful re-telling of the original stories told by the legendary Scheherazade. Director, producer and musical director, Victoria Evans, has taken this tale and created something truly magical.  Victoria has adapted the script and composed an original, haunting score with some very catchy songs, which the cast used to tell their captivating tale.

Arabian Nights is a vehicle for six stories which are told by Scheherazade (Tilly G) the daughter of the Vizier (Isobel G) to her husband the King Shahryar (Nate H-J) and her sister, Dinarzade (Daisy H).  The king has been cruelly betrayed by his first wife and has vowed to take a new Queen each day then have her executed the following morning. I loved the use of the hoop revealing the illicit lovers through the ‘window’ and the bed, draped in chiffon scarves and surrounded by twinkling tea lights situated on a side stage. This allowed the main stage to be used effectively for the cast to perform the stories each cast member taking on different parts. 

Each of the stories are narrated by four story tellers (Isabel D, Leo F, Isaac L and Charlie S) who act as a Greek chorus adding detail and bringing each of the tales to life while encouraging the increasingly desperate Scheherazade to ‘weave her magic’ on the king.  

Most of the tales will be familiar, particularly the very humorous story of ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’.  A fantastic expressive performance full of comic timing and physical comedy from Henri T as the wily Baba and his two-faced, social-climbing wife played by Daisy A.  I liked the use of the fabric for the enchanted cave and the pile of red ribbon representing the torn corpse of the unfortunate Cassim played by Jennifer C-H.  Also, the two grumpy donkeys (Finley S and Alice S).  Good performances from the Chief Thief played by Isaac P who had a witty turn of phrase while trying to control his band of ‘fortyish’ thieves.  Good performance from Leo F as the easily flattered greedy Cobbler.  The servant girl Morgiana (a feisty performance from Tyra C) was the heroine of the hour saving Ali Baba and his wife from certain death, she also had a beautifully sung solo and led an imaginative piece of choreography.

Further stories served to keep the king from carrying out his orders including the very funny ‘Abu Hassan Broke Wind’ which left the king roaring with laughter.  I felt quite sorry for poor Abu (Stevie S) who, after stuffing himself with wine and food, farted noisily and pungently in front of the wedding party and his bemused and disgusted wife to be (Alice B).  Even moving away to India didn’t stop his reputation being recalled and remembered on his return. 

Next, using a row of umbrellas to create a turbulent sea, we have the tale of ‘The Genie and the Fisherman.’  Witty performances from Finley S as the ‘fish man’ and the passive aggressive grumpy genie played by Rhys E who was outwitted by the humble fisherman. 

With each story, we see a softening of the king as he gradually begins to learn that not all women are treacherous and untrustworthy or deserving of death as piqued by his curiosity, he gives her ‘one more night’ and further chances to tell another tale and save her life. 

Further tales follow, each used to highlight the king’s own personality and his blossoming friendship with Scheherazade who sees through his pain and understands his anger and bitterness. ‘The Three Princesses and the Prince’ features a vain, self-centred prince who finally sees himself through a magic mirror of truth.  He installs his potential wives in powerful positions in his kingdom recognising that they have brought out the best in him.  ‘The Little Beggar’ is a cautionary tale about honesty in the face of death.  Both tales featured William S as Prince Faris and the little beggar.  I loved the clever use of the inflatable doll featuring a photo mask which was pummelled, kicked and generally misused throughout the story with each person believing they had murdered the poor little beggar. 

The final tale was the legendary ‘7 Voyages of Sinbad’ with an ageing bearded Sinbad (Daisy A) recounting his tales of adventure to a young sailor (Lucas H).  Clever use of a length of blue fabric for the sea and even a mini ship bouncing along in time to the infectious song. It featured the echoing voice of a booming, man-eating giant and a vicious golden winged Rok and puppet bird.

But will these tales be enough to save Scheherazade from her grisly fate or will the King realise that his promise to his wife is more important that his vengeful vow of vengeance? 

Excellent strong performances from Tilly and Nate as they provided the storyline outside the story.  Tilly was good as the clever, courageous Scheherazade gently persuading the king that she was a worthy companion.  Her distress at realising that the king was not to be persuaded was very well done. Nate played the King as an imperious haughty character but concealing a broken heart.  His reaction to the tale of Abu Hassan was very funny showing a softer side to him.  His anguish at his realisation that he was falling in love with Scheherazade was very poignant.  Isobel as the Vizier played a confident character humble to her king but with the conviction to stand up to him to protect her daughter.   Daisy as Dinarzade was good providing the device for her sister’s stories and her fear was palpable realising that her contribution was vital to Scheherazade’s survival.

Special mention to Henri T who was hilarious in his dual roles of Ali Baba and the drag role of the baker’s wife.  He created some very funny characters using his obvious talent for physical comedy and comic timing.  Daisy A also showed a confidence well beyond her years in her roles, including the witty wife of Ali Baba, the judge and the ageing Sinbad.  The storytellers worked very well together weaving their magic in an almost hypnotic style and their harmonies were gorgeous especially the deep voice of Isaac L which gave a richness to the musical tones. 

Every member of the ensemble, including Connie C, Evie W, Brodie S, Bethany T-D, Max I and Alexia N-E, gave their all as sailors, market sellers and thieves and I loved the fact that everyone was given a chance to shine whether in a speaking role or ensemble part contributing to the telling of the story.  The harmonies were beautiful creating a spine-tingling mystical melody while staying faithful to the Arabian themed music. 

Well done also to the team of ‘grown-ups’ who have worked behind the scenes in various roles such as set building (which was exquisitely painted by Andy Massey) featuring beautiful Arabian themed buildings that shimmered under the purple lighting.  Lighting designed and operated by Cody McGinty, and James Wilmot was used effectively with spotlights and imitation candle effect lamps hanging above the stage.  Props (Simon Evans) were used very effectively to tell the stories such as the umbrellas, and sound effects (David Cox) for example clinking gold coins and giant voice added to the realism and humour.  

Costumes provided by the team of Katie Shaw, Lynnie Testo, Chris Collins and Lucy Hill, were simple but in keeping with the Arabian theme with lots of silks and chiffon in jewel colours enabling the cast to move around the stage comfortably. I especially liked Dinarzade’s red sequinned outfit and the genie’s black velvet waistcoat and sparkly face make-up. Stage Manager Maxine Goldstone kept order back-stage on a very muggy night, and a team of dedicated chaperones ensured that each member of the cast was supported and nurtured throughout. 

Well done to Victoria for this enchanting version of a timeless story.  Your team of enthusiastic thespians performed wonderfully, and it was obvious the amount of hard work and devotion that has gone into producing this delightful gem of a show while bringing it up to date for a modern audience.  It had every element needed to entertain – humour, music and an encompassing theme of friendship, love, betrayal and forgiveness not to mention a haunting original musical score.

Thank you for the warm welcome from Cody McGinty and other members of the Retford Little Theatre also the chance to chat to Victoria about her vision for the show.  The Retford youngsters have demonstrated that they have lots of talent waiting in the wings. 

 

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