NODA Review – March 2022
It is always a pleasure to visit this lively group. After a break of two years they came back to the stage with Aladdin, which had been written and directed by company stalwart, Alison Bagnall. It was a well-written script, with lots of jokes and audience participation, with some lovely modern twists to the well-known story.
It always amazes me how this company fits all their scenery, furniture, props and cast onto this very small stage. All the backcloths and sets were well painted and constructed. There were several lovely backcloths including that for Peking Market Place, The Squee-Ki-Clean Laundry and the Imperial Palace. I liked the journey on the Magic Carpet when it passed the clouds and hot air balloons. The lighting had been designed to enhance the sets and costumes, and there were some well cued sound effects. The explosion of the clothes dryer was fun. The costumes and hairstyles were suitably oriental, with outrageous ones for Widow Twanky, fairly plain ones for the ‘ordinary’ people; with more opulent ones for Princess Yasmine, the Emperor and Aladdin, when he finds the fortune; then there was the spectacular Jinn Genie (the Genie of the lamp); and the wonderful Dragon. The music for the show had been well chosen and adapted, with some pleasant singing to a backing track; with the opening and closing numbers full of energy.
There was a wide range of experience and ages amongst the cast, with everyone entering wholeheartedly into the spirit of the Pantomime and working together to support each other. There were some nice character portrayals both from principals and more minor characters. The more usual cross gender associated with Pantomime had been mostly abandoned, with Aladdin being played by an actor and Widow Twanky by an actress, the only exception was Aladdin’s brother, Wishee Washee, who was played by an actress. Aladdin and Princess Yasmine worked well together, with Yasmine showing a feisty side to her character, she was also believable when she was under the spell. Wishee Washee stole the hearts of the audience with his attachment to the baby dragon. His Mum, Widow Twanky, was outrageous, flirting with any man insight, but highly amusing. Abanazar was suitably dark and evil, and was admirably supported be his young sidekicks, the Ninjas, the scary music on their first entrance really set the atmosphere for them. So-Shi made an excellent companion for Yasmine. PC Wang and PC Wong provided the silliness with their jokes. The Emperor proved to be in charge but a little confused at times, particularly when trying to exit the stage, but was always aided by the stalwart Mandarin. Spirit of the Ring was a very helpful, friendly spirit in contrast to Abanazar. Jinn Genie was all-powerful and commanded the stage impressively. The Streetsellers and Courtiers had all developed individual characters and supported the action. The young Peking Waifs showed a great deal of confidence and handled their scenes well.
This pantomime had plenty for everyone to enjoy, a small person sitting near me was delighted by the Keystone Cops routine. Under the experienced direction of Alison Bagnall the whole company worked well together, appreciating being back on stage performing, and delighting the audience. Everyone, both cast and audience had a fun evening. Thank you Octopus.
Written and Directed: Alison Bagnall