Aladdin – Lavant Players

Date – 6th February 2025
Director – Guy Evans, Assisted by Kieran Turnbull
Choreographer – Lottie Owen
Venue – Lavant Memorial Hall
Type of production – Pantomime

Aladdin is one of the perennial favourites in the world of panto, but this one, written by Director Guy Evans, takes a slightly different slant on the usual scripts, using a narrator to move the story along, doing without Wishee Washee and gender swapping roles, and adding a comical talking parrot. However, we still had all the usual knockabout humour, corny old jokes and plenty of chances for the audience to join in with “oh no he isn’t” etc., and it all made for a most enjoyable evening.

We were warmly greeted by the front of house team, all in Chinese attire, and ushered into a beautifully decorated hall with Chinese lanterns strung across it and amazing lions curled around the loudspeaker stands. The atmosphere was well and truly set. When the curtains opened, we were stunned by the quality of the beautiful set (constructed by Iain Anthony and painted by Niamh Roberts) which did not let up as the scenes changed. It was well designed (Richard Whincop) and flexible, making scene changes quick and simple. Costumes throughout were colourful and good quality, looking perfect for the story – thanks to Hazel and Malcolm Bennett, who also produced some excellent props and, with Anthony Clark’s intelligent lighting, made for some beautiful images.

Director Guy Evans has picked a strong cast and, with Assistant Kieran Turnbull, guided them well to give of their best. I loved the way the auditorium and all its entrances were used to the max, scene changes were slick, and the show kept cracking on at a good pace. Choreographer Lottie Owen made some lovely pictures with the cast, filling the small stage with interest and movement. It was good to see youngsters in the cast, more than holding their own with the adults and adding to the fun. Apart from two numbers, good quality soundtracks were used for the music, but they can sometimes be difficult for less experienced singers. However, the quality of singing was generally very good by both adults and children, and the sound balance between singers and music was spot on.

The story was introduced by the Lampseller (Liz Goodey) and her faithful Camel (Sophia Anthony) who got the audience going and popped up throughout the show to move the story along and help change the scenes. Very clever. Toby Shepherd made a fine Aladdin, easily believable as hero material and with a good singing voice. He was well matched by Rebekah Leggatt as Princess Jelli, eager to break away from the strictness of her father and choose her own husband. Her rendition of “On My Own” was sublime and she and Toby had nicely contrasting voices in their duets.

Hollymai Vicary played Widow Twankey very much against type, as a Southern Belle – very Blanche Dubois – which she did very well, but I was rather puzzled as to why? Maya Jarvis gave us a much more traditional take on Abanazar, very serious and convincing in his evil desire to become Emperor and marry the Princess. Sidekick in his villainy was Stiletto a large and colourful parrot, played with wonderful daftness by Jasmin Vicary, who is also a talented singer. Nigel Holloway made a splendidly daffy Emperor, almost venturing into Dame territory in Act 2, while Toni Holloway as Queen Shokoti held us spellbound singing “Slipping through my fingers” to a simple guitar accompaniment. The two Palace Guards (Steph Richardson and Gina Quest) made a great comedy pairing. The two Genies were magical – Lottie Owen (Lamp) all sparky and full of sass and Alicia Godfrey (Ring), wonderfully gushing and over the top.

The full colour programme was beautifully presented, giving nice biographies of the cast, rehearsal photos and information about the show.

There was little to complain about – I felt the bush and ring jokes were rather overused and the songs, while well-chosen, would have been better if they had been shorter. They interrupted the story too much, and it would have been a long show for youngsters. Also, be careful about turning down microphones when the cast come off stage – we heard some dressing room chatter.

I have to confess that I felt that we, the audience, let you down – very unresponsive, especially in Act 1, and perhaps not too experienced with pantos? I could see how hard you were working to get us to join in and I know how draining that can be. Don’t worry – another day, another audience!

I’m glad to say that at the end of the show we gave you the applause you truly deserved for entertaining us so royally throughout the evening. Well done everyone and thank you for making my first visit to Lavant Players such a pleasure.

Mark Donalds
NODA SE District 10 Representative

National Operatic and Dramatic Association

15 The Metro Centre, Peterborough PE2 7UH

Tel 01733 374 790 Fax 01733 237 286 Email info@noda.org.uk Web www.noda.org.uk

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Patrons: The Lord Lloyd Webber and Connie Fisher