ALADDIN till 10 January 2009
Oldham
ALADDIN: by Eric Potts.
A Coliseum Theatre Production at the Oldham Coliseum
Runs: till 10 January.
Mon-Sat 7.30pm (excluding 25 Dec & 1 Jan); Mats 2.30pm (daily until 31 Dec, then selected days);
Runs: 2hr 30min - One interval.
TICKETS: 0161 624 2829.
www.coliseum.org.uk.
Review: Stoon Barar 10 December 2008.
Genuine family fayre with something for everyone – all you’d ever wish for!
This is an enjoyable, well packaged seasonal treat – thankfully devoid of glittery bling and free of feeble attempts at topical and local humour. In terms of sickly-sweetness it’s refreshingly low calorie . . . an added attraction at this time of year! Instead it relies on the honest appeal of a fine ensemble effort which under the careful direction of Kevin Shaw achieves a balance between narrative, song/dance, self parody and of course, the traditional Panto staples of audience involvement and slapstick!
Events open in ancient Thebes where evil magician Abanazar (Andonis Anthony) revels in his telling us exactly what his plans for Aladdin are. His deliciously controlled delivery reminded me of Jeremy Irons’ voiceover in The Lion King (more specifically Claus von Bülow in ‘Reversal of Fortune’ for real connoisseurs). He’s soon summoned the Slave of the Ring (Aimee Thomas) who nicely portrays ‘service with a degree of reluctance’ and brings ‘a common touch’ to matters.
Next we meet the Emperor (Howard Chadwick) – who unbeknown to all’s more broke than Woollies and looking to marry off his daughter Jasmine (Maria Watton-Graham) to the highest bidder to rescue his finances – a scenario which is likely to leave her with a spouse somewhat senior in years let’s say. Who can save her we wonder?
Step forward Aladdin (Amy Rhiannon Worth) who upon gazing upon Jasmine is smitten – together they convince as budding sweethearts. He seeks sibling assistance from his brother Wishee Washee (Richard J Flethcher) though he’s equally likely to hinder on the evidence provided!
Which only of course leaves Widow Twanky (mother to Aladdin & Wishee Washee) who runs the local Washeteria. She’s played wonderfully by Fine Time Fontayne who lends her a nice touch of ‘man-eater’ – though victims would spot her a mile off in her frocks! He also provides most of the ‘adult orientated’ humour and shows just the right amount of self depreciation to events on stage.
The show is built on strong theatrical foundations and it’s pleasing to see that this approach has produced a Pantomime that has universal appeal and is a cut above many regional offerings.
Abanazar: Andonis Anthony.
Aladdin: Amy Rhiannon Worth.
Emperor: Howard Chadwick.
Genie/PC Pong: Barrie Ryan English.
Wishee Washee: Richard J Fletcher.
Widow Twanky: Fine Time Fontayne.
Slave of the Ring: Aimee Thomas.
Jasmine: Maria Watton-Graham.
Director: Kevin Shaw.
Designer: Celia Perkins.
Musical Director: Dave Bintley.
Fight Director: Renny Krupinski.
Assistant Choreographer: Anna Montgomerie.
Choreographer: Beverley Edmonds.
Lighting: Thomas Weir.
Sound: Lorna Munden.
On the Book: Denise Body.
The Band.
MD/Keyboards: Dave Bintley
Drums/Percussion: Bob Howard
Bass: Nathan Walsh
2008-12-15 08:45:33