JIGSAW PLAYERS’ Aladdin at the Trinity Centre in Lickey vowed on the programme cover – ‘a magical pantomime full of Eastern promise’ and it did not disappoint.
The story, which centred around Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, was told well by a talented cast of all ages.
Thanks to that, well thought out scenes and several favourite songs, including ‘Show Me The Way to Amarillo’ and The Monkees’ I’m A Believer, there was plenty of audience participation – singing along, shouting, foot-tapping and clapping.
Rolly Bhalla as Aladdin won the hearts of the audience who willed him on to do well, and Phoebe Fletcher was a lovable Princess Jasmine – she performed the best vocal performance on the night with ‘Hopelessly Devoted’ from Grease.
Kerren Broad was good as the Slave of the Ring and, likewise, Sophie Holmes did well dominating the stage as the Genie of the Lamp.
Maggie Stone was excellent as Widow Twankey and enjoyed plenty of laughs – particularly when it came to innuendo relating to her past relationships.
And Chris Broad had the crowd booing and hissing in abundance as the evil Abanazar, ably assisted by his henchmen Hi and Lo.
But the performance of the production went to Sarah Townsend as Wishee Washee who brought unbelievable amounts of energy and fun to the show.
This was epitomised in the pick of the scenes in the laundrette which, thanks to some wonderful stage tricks, saw the character shrunk in the washing machine, stretched and flattened in a mangle and fluffed up in the tumble dryer. Add to this some classic slapstick involving bowlfuls of soap suds and it was everything a traditional panto scene should be.
The choreography in this production was also done well, particularly during ‘Diamonds’, ‘We’re in the Money’, ‘Zip a Dee Doo Dah’ and the numbers involving the policemen.
This show was excellently directed by Maggie Bishton and is ‘so full of Eastern promise’ will have you reaching for the Turkish Delight as you foot-tap, clap, singalong and shout.
The remaining shows start at 7pm on Friday and Saturday (December 9 and 10) and there are matinees at 1.30pm on the Saturday and 4pm on the Sunday (December 11).
For tickets, which are £11, email [email protected] or call 07919 505764 or 07772 645722.
