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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Guess what - he’s still behind you Aladdin Richcott Productions Sutton Coldfield Town
Hall **** IF YOU are someone who complains at
Christmas starting earlier every year with festive TV ads now appearing
in October then you might also be grumbling over the fact that the
pantomime season seems to be lasting longer than ever too, with some
productions going on to the end of Feb. However this production by Richard Aucott sneaks
in just in time to keep the memory of the season’s festivities alive.
Mr Aucott is no stranger to the Panto format and
unlike other companies who annually try to find some new ingredient, the
company here sticks successfully to the `he’s behind you formulae ‘.
Even if the groan a minute gags would be passed over by any decent
Christmas cracker joke writer, the production makes up for it with its
excellent performances, great singing and musical arrangements and a
costume collection to rival any major budget production. Richard takes on the formidable task of the Panto
Dame, here as Widow Twankey, and does so dressed in an assortment of
outrageous costumes that he has mostly created himself. There were a
couple of instances where the script ran off the rails and the ad libs
struggled to deliver but there was enough content throughout in his
colourful performance to keep everyone happy. Aladdin was played by Alex Cardall and clearly
has a great understanding of musical theatre and with an excellent
singing voice and professional performance kept the whole production
ticking over. Princess Jasmine played by Gemma –Jayne Freeth
also proved she had an excellent voice, enjoying some well-produced
duets with Aladdin. Behind the scenes Gemma also worked with Keith
Summers to produce the pre-recorded music and sound effects, all of very
high quality and all under the direction of Musical Director Frances
Richmond. Wishy Washy played by Andy James Michel
Aimee Whatson as The Spirit of the Ring had
clearly brought her own support as a large cheer went up each time she
appeared and grewarded them with a credible performance and sang really
well. Adding to the cast were David Bligh and Mark
Natrass not forgetting the youngsters Charlie Flockhart, Harvey Quinn
and Sydney Richmond –Ward all who gave confident performances. Add to the mix the choreography of Laura Hughes
and dancers Body Beat, some great lighting and scene changes and you
have a production that easily made you forget that January is nearly
over and the on-going rain outside. The company clearly have a lot of talent on hand
and with a better script will definitely be the one to look out for next
year. If however you still have the post-Christmas blues there’s still
one more day left to revel in some seasonal sprit. To 19-01-14. Jeff Grant |
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was
feisty and lively enough to keep everyone entertained in the traditional
audience participation every time he appeared. The evil Abanaza or was
it Banana, played by Nick
growled and sneered through the show collecting his boos along the way.