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Hayleigh reviews the panto
Wednesday 14th December
This year’s pantomime performance of Aladdin at The Broadway Theatre is one not to be missed. A popular venue with a warm welcome! The script was dotted with jokes suitable for both children and adults, and was very up to date, referencing the hit series ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ the eviction of ‘Misha B’ from ‘The X-Factor’ and ‘Eastenders’.
The actor playing Aladdin’s brother, Wishy-Washy, was brilliant at getting the audience to participate, even getting the audience out of their seats! He really developed a bond with the children, which I think the parents very much appreciated. Jasmine (Roxanne Douro) filled the room superbly with her graceful vocals, and Aladdin (Michael Sewell)’s voice complimented hers beautifully. All the songs used were from today’s charts, which developed a nice spin on the play. Using the songs the young audience already know and enjoy created a fantastic sing-a-long atmosphere. The pair performed their songs with strength and passion which made an impact on the audience.
Abanazar, the evil magician, performed the role perfectly to a chorus of boos and hisses. Aladdin’s mother, the dame, was an extremely funny, very well developed character and worked well with her on stage son Wishy Washy. The flying carpet was a very successful special effect wowing the children and adding an element of magic. The chorography was fun, but I would have preferred the routines to have been a little bit more developed. I also think the journey in which the emperor, Aladdin’s mother and Aladdin’s brother go to the castle in the middle of the desert could have been developed to include a few twists and turns in the road.
Overall, however, the pantomime was an experience to remember. Although almost the entire audience was entirely made up of local schoolchildren, they made for a terrific crowd: cheering and booing as prompted by the cast. They were extremely pleased when Wishy-Washy arranged a singing competition between them and their teachers, parents and other adults. When he announced he had sweets the audience went wild! I think the audience enjoyed being part of it, loved all the shouting and after all, what would panto be without it?
By Hayleigh Blinkhorne
Work Experience –The Albany School
Comments
Loved the show and can’t wait to come again to another show and will be booking a panto next year as well. Excellent production and as good as the West End.
By Carol Coulson on 29/12/2011 · #2
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It’s great to see a work experience placement given the opertunity to write on a website, but was she given a script? The jokes were lost to some very bad acting and neither of the leads could hold a tune. To say that Jasmin’s vocals filled the room can only be down to the sound system.
The set looked good and the flying carpet worked well, although it wasn’t helped by the flashing lights in the auditorium (maybe something for marketing to consider not selling)
By Max Cardell on 22/12/2011 · #1