ALADDIN. To 24 January.
Nottingham.
ALADDIN
by Kenneth Alan Taylor.
Nottingham Playhouse To 24 January 2009.
Mon – Sat 7.30pm Mat 2.30 except 5th, 12th, 31st Dec, 9th, 16th, 19th, 23rd Jan.
no performance 25-28 December.
Audio described 6 Dec 2.30pm, 10 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm, 12 Dec 7.30pm, 6 Jan 2.30pm, 8 Jan 7.30pm.
BSL Signed 8 Dec 2.30pm, 9 Dec(7.30pm, 11 Dec 7.30pm.
Captioned 6 Dec 2.3pm), 8 Jan 7.30pm.
Runs 2hr 55min. Two intervals.
TICKETS: 0115 9419419.
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jen Mitchell 29 November 2008.
Celebratory Christmas spectacular in Kenneth Alan Taylor's 25th year of panto at the Nottingham Playhouse.
Panto night is one of the most looked forward to occasions of the year in our house – there is always great excitement as glittery outfits get their annual airing; even the teenagers demand new wands and tiaras.
Every year I wax lyrical about this night. This year’s no different – possibly a little more gushing than usual. The whole of the playhouse buzzes, the festive mood of every member of staff is infectious and the audience are invariably in good cheer and ready for fun before they even enter the auditorium.
This year the audience participation begins early as we are up on our feet and singing and dancing within the first five minutes – a great ice breaker for anyone yet to get into the mood.
One of the wonderful things about returning to the playhouse panto year after year is that as an audience we know what to expect. This takes none of the anticipation, fun or frivolity away – what we get is first class pantomime humour – family fun for every age. Yes, we know many of the jokes before they have been delivered but boy, they are delivered with skill and consummate timing.
As Taylor returns to the stage this year with his inimitable pantomime dame, audiences are in for a real treat. My sides were aching; such is the sharp wit and warm irreverence with which he treats his audience.
But I would have to go a long way to see something quite as hysterically funny as Widow Twankey and Uncle Abanaza (John Elkington) as Torville and Dean performing their famous Bolero dance without the ice.
The whole cast from the familiar company members to the newcomers are worthy of note but I can’t end without mentioning the professionalism and polish of the team of young dancers.
Giles Croft, Artistic Director at the Playhouse, came on stage after the finale to present a bouquet to the Kenneth Alan Taylor, who has personally made Nottingham Playhouse the place to be during the Christmas season. He summed it all up with the words, "Kenneth Alan Taylor, we love you."
Widow Twankey: Kenneth Alan Taylor.
Aladdin: Hannah Wilding.
Abanaza: John Elkington.
Wishee Washee: Nathan Dowling.
Widow Wang/Slave of the Ring: Rebecca Little.
Princess So Shy: Danielle Corlass.
Emperor of China: Anthony Hoggard.
Genie of the Lamp: Philip Herbert.
Blue Team: Lucy Blood, Jallon Burton, Roisin Cassidy, Emily Fetherston, Olivia Flemming, Megan Griffin, Amy Milner, Jessica Priestley, Jessica Johnson (reserve).
Red Team: Abbie Blurton, April Clarke, Mia Harrison, Johara House, Rosie O’Reilly, Lauren Saxon, Lauren Siddall, Megan Singleton, Josie McCormick (reserve), Stacey Vessey (reserve).
Director: Kenneth Alan Taylor.
Designer: Tim Meacock.
Lighting: Jason Taylor.
Sound: Ciaron McKenna.
Musical Director: John Morton.
Choreographer: Adele Parry.
Dance Captain: Rebecca Little.
2008-12-03 00:44:28