Disney Aladdin JR

I was delighted to attend Young Thespians production of Aladdin JR, which I found was mostly lively and engaging with some excellent performances.

The stage set with the video screen backdrop and painted side screens, conjured up the feel of Disney and the setting of the piece.  Lighting enhanced the atmosphere and sound was mostly good, one place at the beginning when ensemble were grouped around standing mics, where they weren’t being picked up properly, which was a shame, but projection from the principals was good.

Costumes were all very suitable and colourful, I particularly liked the Sultan’s and Genie’s outfits, they suited the feel of the characters.  I felt that Jasmine’s arm movements were slightly impeded by the tight band across the top of her arms, a different arrangement would have enabled her to use her arms to their full extent. 

Choreography was suitable for all abilities, and the cast looked comfortable with what they did.

The stand out performer for me was Noah Ruby (Genie), he sparkled from the time he came on stage, giving an engaging portrayal, extremely well done.

Ela Gozen (Aladdin) created a good character, showing her experience and understanding of the role, making a good pairing with Rita Witham-Holroyd (Jasmine), who looked every inch the princess.  This pair sang their solos and duets well.

I liked the trio of Zac Daly (Babkak), Cally Fletcher (Omar) and Alisa Kucukkinaci (Kassim), Aladdin’s sidekicks, they maintained their different personas well, with Zac giving a more polished and aware performance overall. 

Robyn Brett (Jafar) and Summer Gore (Iago) created another good pairing, with Iago being the comedy portrayal as opposed to Jafar the evil one – nicely achieved.

Joshua Raine (Sultan) got the feel of the older person well, I enjoyed his performance.

The handmaidens – Helena Wilson (Isir), Abigail Hughes (Manal) and Lauren Joslin (Rajah) were very charming and interacted well with each other and Jasmine. 

The minor principals and ensemble all helped to create a very good production.  I felt the opening number was a little lacking in energy and expression from the ensemble, but they brightened up in subsequent numbers.  The company as a whole showed a very marked improvement from the last time I saw them (several years ago) – so very well done to everyone involved.

My thanks to Young Thespians for their hospitality, I enjoyed my evening very much.

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