PANTOMIME is a wonderful excuse to string some comic scenes together within a well-known story, colour it with music from other shows, revamp old jokes, and add a touch of madness. That's exactly what Vane Tempest Amateurs have done with their Aladdin. Maurice McShane opens the show with a bang, as Abanazar the wicked sorcerer. We hate him from the start. He's a very good baddie, who gets the audience joining in immediately.
Gordon Lindon romps across the stage with boundless energy in his first starring role as the dame, Widow Twankey He is flirtatious with those in the stalls, seemingly unaware of his double meanings and innuendo, loving being dressed in outrageous costumes, and enjoying it all.
The versatile Ruth Southwick is Widow Twankey's son, and has a great time entertaining us. Her brother, Aladdin, is skilfully played by Mark Robson. He is an able actor and has a good voice: a wonderful choice for the lead role.
His princess, Say Wen, alias Laura Swinburne, is a beautiful girl with much charm, and Frances McNamee is another beauty with a great voice, and is a gifted mimic. She plays The Spirit Of The Ring.
The rest of the cast are funny too. Watch for Robert Reynolds, the Grand Vizier, in his shooting scene, and for Comic Cops Paul Henry and Diane Henderson, and listen carefully to the quips of the browbeaten Emperor, John Hunt, and his autocratic Empress, Suzy Wake.
Who could forget the Genie? The slave of the lamp is clever Patrick McNamee, whose American rap is amazing.
The show, directed by Tom Morris, is pure family fun and fantasy. Well done also to the chorus and musicians. Suddenly it feels like Christmas.
