Aladdin: To 10 January
Salisbury
ALADDIN
by Joanna Read and Stuart Thomas
Salisbury Playhouse To 10 January 2004
Mon-Sat 7.15 pm and 2.15 p.m.no performance 1 January no Mat 5 7 January
Audio-described 8 January 2.15 p.m. and 7.15 p.m.
BSL Signed 3 January 2.15 p.m.
Runs 2hr 30min One Interval
TICKETS 01722 320333: http://www.salisburyplayhouse.com
Review Mark Courtice: 22 December 2003
Traditional Christmas panto full of good things. As usual, the traditional panto is in safe hands at Salisbury Playhouse this Christmas. This Aladdin is not just the past set in aspic, it is rather a living tradition revisited with intelligence and sensitivity. And if it is all a bit too well behaved, there is real pleasure watching a skilled company making the most of the opportunities offered, without a single TV star who can't sing getting in the way.
The script follows the time honoured and well worn path of the Aladdin story taking in open sesame and new lamps for old. The traditional stopping off points include a wash tub scene (a little too dry and not sloshy enough), a song sheet, two idiot policemen, an ultra violet ballet, and loads of pratfalls. The principle boy is a girl, of course and so is the Princess he loves.
Also traditional is Tom Peters' wicked Abanazar. Strutting, self adoring and utterly silly he frightens no-one, but is incredibly bad at all times. He is also clearly a close relation of last year's villain a new tradition in the making?
David Ashley's washerwoman Widow Twankey is younger than most, so has lots of energy. He also gets the best of the stains jokes all good unclean fun.
The whole thing looks terrific. Richard Foxton's set in traditional Christmas colours of red and green has been scattered with glitter by generous hands. The cave was exciting and mysterious, and the use of Chinese dragons for the ultra violet number is a clever touch. The costumes panto Chinese - are neat but not gaudy with the exception of Widow Twankey's variations on a washing machine theme, which are good fun.
The script is clear and the young people in the audience can keep up with the plot's twists and turns, and remain engaged even during the soppy bits. There could be more jokes, but the whole tone is good humoured and cheerful, ideal Christmas fare for young and old alike. The music reflects this tone of undemanding pleasantness, while not providing much in the way of hummable bits.
Abanazar: Tom Peters
Magic Mirror/So Shy/Spirit of the Ring: Isabella Jade Fane
Princess Jasmine: Emily Pithon
Aladdin: Victoria Lugg
Ping: Rosalind Philips
Pong: Cornelius Booth
Wishy Wsahy: Jake Thornton
Widow Twankey: David Ashley
Emperor Brian: Robert Whelan
Jeeves the Genie: David Broughton-Davies
Chorus:
Rebecca Davies, Martha Fishwick, Riah Gibbins
Charlie Liddington, Clementine Parker, Desmond Wilkinson, Kate Balantine-Dykes, Michale Glover, Bethani Holme, Jenny McKinnell, Katy Olpin, Emma Preedy.
Directors: Joanna Read and Caroline Leslie
Designer: Richard Foxton
Lighting: Peter Hunter
Musical Director: Andrew Allpass
Drummer: Dean Blake
Choreography: Maggie Rawlinson
2003-12-29 13:00:45