NODA Review
- adammorris72
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
Aladdin and the Pirates
Author: Jake Powell
Date
30th January 2025
Society
Audlem Theatre Company
Venue
Audlem Public Hall
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
David Davenport & Trevor Hough
Musical Director
Emma Morris
Choreographer
Crissy Wylie
Producer
Laura Furber
Written By
Brian Luff
Audlem Theatre Company were back on stage with their thirtieth annual pantomime, ‘Aladdin and the Pirates’, which was directed by David Davenport and Trevor Hough. The story remained the same, except Abanazar was now a pirate captain instead of an evil sorcerer. Anything can happen in the world of pantomime! Audlem Theatre Company utilised the small stage well, creating different locations from the palace to Twankey’s dry cleaning shop to Pirate Island itself. Scene changes were done relatively quickly and quietly. There were a couple of moments where some of the backstage team could be seen during scenes, which drew the audience’s attention away from the action. The direction from David and Trevor was secure with the auditorium being used as well, which allowed the audience to be brought into the world created. The pace could have been quickened, especially in picking up cue lines. Nevertheless, what David and Trevor had created was an entertaining performance, showcasing a friendly cast who worked well together.
The musical director was Emma Morris. The cast performed to backing tracks and did well with this. There were songs that cast members were really able to shine with, and these were performed well. The ensemble numbers were performed well, especially by the younger members of the cast.
Crissy Wylie provided choreography for the production. The choreography was simple enough for all abilities to perform. The junior ensemble performed most of the choreography, and they performed admirably with big smiles on their faces.
Technical elements were simple, yet effective. The pyrotechnics were cued well and added to the magic of the pantomime. The sound balance between the backing tracks and cast microphones was good. The lighting was kept simple throughout. The lighting for the cave on Pirate Island was effective with the treasure being the only thing lit. The magic lamp being lit added to the magic.
The costumes were very good, from the pirate costumes to the costumes of Widow Twankey, which were a delight to see. The costumes were suitably bright and colourful.
The title role of Aladdin was played by Emma Morris. Emma was a very good principal boy, and was entertaining to watch. The asides to the audience when things went awry were very funny. Emma’s vocals were pleasing to hear, and she worked well with the rest of the cast, particularly Sarah.
Playing opposite Emma was Sarah Ainsworth as Princess Eugenie. This was a strong performance from Sarah as the principal girl. As mentioned, Sarah had a great rapport with Emma and their duet was strong. Sarah’s vocals were very good throughout.
As well as directing, David Davenport donned the wigs and heels as Widow Twankey. David had the audience in the palm of his hands and had a commanding stage presence. David’s comic timing was very good.
Isla Rowe took on her first principal role this year, playing Handy Sandy. This was a secure performance from Isla, taking on the comic role of the pantomime. She interacted with the audience well, and it was a pleasing performance.
Trevor Hough played Captain Abanazer. Trevor was suitably menacing and his audience interactions were very good. There were a few sticky moments with lines, but Trevor played into this very well, which added more comedy to the production.
All credit to Tobias Dinsdale, who stepped in as Boney Malone at the last minute. There were no signs of nerves from Tobias, with script in hand. It was lovely to see Helen Katteloher in the audience willing Tobias on in the role. The show must go on!
Lee Bottomley played Emperor of Peking. This was a good performance from Lee and it was a shame that the character didn’t have much to do, as Lee had a strong presence on stage. The asides about his moustache falling off were great.
Beth, Princess Eugenie’s handmaid, was played by VV Alkureshi. It’s great to see the younger members in principal roles, and VV did well as Beth. She worked well with Isla and their duet was good.
Inspector Plunk and PC Plonk were played by Lesley Davenport and Rebecca Dutton respectively. They were a good comic duo and worked well together. There were some good interactions and their comic delivery was good.
Jackson Hodgkins put in a good performance as Monty. He was very expressive, which is what the part called for, and created mayhem on stage! Just be careful that your performance doesn’t draw attention away from the main action.
As The Gene Genie, Ellie O’Grady did well. Again, this part was underwritten, so Ellie didn’t have that much to do throughout. Ellie’s vocals were great, which she was able to showcase at the end of Act 1.
Stuart Furber played the camp Genie of the Ring. Stuart’s dry line delivery was very funny, and the audience loved his character. If anything, push the campiness of the character.
The young ensemble were engaged throughout and looked like they were having the time of their lives. It is so difficult performing within the audience, but you all held your focus on what you were doing, which is fantastic. Keep up the great work!
Overall, this was a pleasing production. There were some good performances, clever staging, and it was great to see youth members taking principal roles.
A big thank you to everyone at Audlem Theatre Company for their kind invite.
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