CityLife Rating
Aladdin
ALADDIN is one of the Garrick’s best ever pantos - and there is a good reason for it.
I think it’s because the original director, Terry Chandler, who died suddenly before rehearsals had finished, is looking down on his cast.
Terry, an actor and director with the Garrick for 25 years always encouraged fellow actors, and particularly young ones, of which there are many in Aladdin, to give their best.
And they do. Val Watkinson, who bravely took over at short notice, adds the finishing touches.
The best way to judge a panto is by the reaction of the kids.
At the Sunday afternoon matinee, they go ballistic.
They love the magic carpet that really flies and meeting David Gonet’s flouncily dressed Widow Twankey and her son, Wishee Washee played by David’s real-life son, Adam.
Adam’s brother, Sean, plays a royal bodyguard along with Stuart Bilson - so it’s a family affair.
Wishee Washee
Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee interact with the children encouraging them to shout “he’s Behind You” and compete to sing the loudest.
In a break with what is otherwise a traditional pantomime, Aladdin is played by a man, Edward Prophet.
He is the perfect partner for principal girl, Princess Jasmine (glamorous Hannah Pond). I like the way they gaze into each other’s eyes!
Edward’s masculine Aladdin enters the magic cave with courage and is unafraid to rub the mysterious lamp.
Aladdin’s good qualities are offset by the evil ones of Mike Shaw’s Abanazar.
Dressed not just in black but in a variety of colourful outfits, he is determined to grab the lamp off Aladdin by fair means or foul.
Evil purpose
The children hiss and boo him but cannot distract him from his evil purpose.
At one point it looks as though he is actually going to win but bad never triumphs over good in fairytales.
And a panto wouldn’t be a panto without the little ones coming on stage behaving, at times, unpredictably.
The adults will enjoy the dancing, singing, humour and special effects.
There are some rapid costume changes particularly by the dame.
Mike Shaw isn’t a baddie in real life for he creates some gorgeous outfits especially for the final wedding scene.
Aladdin has a five star cast who have been led by two five-star directors.
You’d be proud of them Terry.
Aladdin is at Altrincham Garrick until Sunday, January 4. For tickets, priced £11.50 (£10 for senior citizens and £9 for children under 16), telephone 0161 928 1677.
Reviewed: Mon, 22 December, 2008
CityLife Ratings
Your Ratings (Rollover to rate)
You must be logged in to rate this event
Register Now to rate this
