Aladdin - 2013
Aladdin - 2013
This year we returned to Old Peking for what surely must be one of the best pantomime tales - "Aladdin". The script was by Alan P Frayn.
We were pleased to introduce a new principal boy, Helen Gee as Aladdin and new principal girl Sam Jones as Princess Mandarin. Andrew Kane took on a major role as Wishee Washee. Joining us in the chorus this year was Trevor Hughes and Amy Neale. Returning after a few years absence were Fiona Cuthbert and Joyce Stevens.
Robin Lewsey was the Director. Producers were Jimmy Dodds and Sally Miller. Sally was also Choreographer. Gary Brown was Musical Director and the Stage Manager was David Gibson.
Aladdin had all the ingredients for a fun - filled and entertaining pantomime. As ever the theatre club put its own stamp on the show - written by Alan Frayn - throwing in some topical and local gags for good measure.
The giggles came from many angles, but mainly from the glamorous dame, Jimmy Dodds (Widow Twankey) and Chinese policemen Gary Brown (Hu Dun Pong) and Nick Lewis (yu Dun Wong).
The club introduced a new principal boy, Helen Gee, as Aladdin, and new principal girl, Sam Jones, as Princess Mandarin, and the pair more than rose to the occasion in the lead roles.
As did Andrew Kane, who was playing Wishee Washee.
Meanwhile, more seasoned club member Peter Lewis, was suitably evil as the show's baddie, Abanazar, and prompted boos and hisses from the audience when he came on stage.