|
Review
of the pantomime Aladdin Haslemere
Hall Thursday
6th January 2005 The first night of
the pantomime, lots of excited children, an open stage with a glowing crystal
ball and oodles of anticipation and buzz in the air, which was almost lost
with a late start, a curious overture, but never mind - once it started it
was good. Abadnazar
(Peter Christopherson) evilly led us to China, where we met Aladdin
(Persephone Fitzpatrick), perhaps a little too feminine at the start, she
would have benefited from more masculine apparel. An enthusiastic Wishee
Washee (Will Keith) put the audience in charge of his plum tree and his
plums, and Aladdin’s ma, Dame Widow Twankee (Rob Lloyd) - a good panto dame
- bossed his assorted launderers,
well played by the chorus. The comedy
duo were cast as police constables (what wonderful helmets), Wing (Tony
Grant) and Wong (Anna Webb); their buffoonery timing will sharpen with
audience participation, difficult to practise in rehearsal. The Emperor (Mike Clarke) cast as a forgetful
and bumbling spouse to his Empress (Mary Coyte) a battleaxe, comme
Christine Hamilton, were excellent, as was their pretty daughter Princess
Badroulboudor (Emily Davenport). The
Genie of the Ring (Emily Swatton) and the other geni, Big G (Lawrence Simpson)
appeared each time from the thunder flash and smoke and then wrought their
magic – loved the flying carpet!
There were also a Mi Ni Wishee Washee (Nathan Lawes), a Mi Ni Wing
(Scarlett Robertson) and a Mi Ni Wong
(Diana David), think Austin Powers and Dr. Evil! And the llama, Delilah (front legs Tim Manville and rear
Dominic Westcott-White) was adorable and, could she spit? She could! The
singing was good throughout, complete with the audience joining in
enthusiastically. Mary Coyte, an able
singer, had an ‘off key’ number, belted out à la Ethel Merman but more
like Florence Foster Jenkins at the Carnegie Hall! The
Music, composed, directed and played by Tony McIntee with Simon Manville on
Percussion was just right for this pantomime. The dancers were
fantastic, whether in the laundry, the swimming pool,the cave or Africa.
Their synchronised swim just has to be seen! Angela Cantan is to be
applauded, as is Robert Cantan for sorting the Dance Music pieces. The
magnificent costumes, congratulations to Meriel Davenport and Vanessa Bevan -
they were fabulous and so colourful and imaginative, just what panto needs.
The Dame’s and Wishee Washee’s were suitably OTT but, in comparison, the
Emperor and his family’s were classic Chinese, very stately. Abadnazar’s
headdress and shiny cloak were just right for a magician. And
thanks to those who aren’t seen, those who work beforehand on scenery,
painting etc., all those folk back stage need to be thanked for creating the
illusion of magic which was portrayed to the audience. This bouquet is for
the Set and Lighting Design from Alan English and Richard Oldham, Nick
Westcott-White for his Stage Management and his silent crew, the Scenery and
the Make Up by Judith Forde and all those who have helped this pantomime
right down to the programme and the Raffle. Aladdin’s
story was told, sung, danced and acted well, thanks to Guy Davenport, who not
only wrote the pantomime, keeping to the traditional story, but also
directed. Included in the script were
lots of topical and pertinent jokes about Haslemere and its locality, and
liberally sprinkled with double entendres. First
night is traditionally Charity night - after the interval Laurie Brown,
Chairman of Thespians introduced Rae Boxall, President of the Rotary Club of
Haslemere, who announced the charities chosen this panto season are firstly,
the Haslemere and District Macmillan Cancer Relief, which has been in existence for 17 years, and helps fund the
very special Macmillan Nurses and also the services of a dietician at the
Royal Surrey Hospital; secondly, Liphook Age Concern Support Laundry which
since 1988 provides help to the elderly, disabled and sick with their laundry
requirements – but not at Widow Twankey’s emporium! ·
Haslemere Hall had
the brand new raked seating installed just in time for Aladdin – an
asset to this production and all future audiences. ·
If you haven’t been
to Aladdin yet, you still have time - phone the Haslemere Hall 01428 642161
in the morning. Jenny Hill |