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Aladdin Pantomime
February 2024
Review by Bryan Craven
As the late great comedian Leslie Crowther use to say, “Pantomime is like a Christmas pudding you
need all the ingredients, but you have to mix it well, the better the mix the finer the pudding.” I reckon that makes STARS the Jamie Oliver of pantomime in the area! A talented team, both on and off stage, came together to produce one of the best pantomimes I’ve seen this season – and, believe me, I’ve seen a lot.
The tale of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp is one of the best known tales in the Book of One
Thousand and One Nights. There is a reluctance nowadays, particularly in the professional world,
to present Aladdin because of its racial stereotypes which is a great shame because it’s one of the
strongest stories, with great opportunities for lavish costumes, scenery and comedy routines.
Let’s start with Chris Binns and Dave Collins who took on the ‘mum and son’ role of ‘Window
Twankey’ and ‘Wishee Washee’ respectively! These two were hilarious! From their first entrances
to their final bows ... they just made you laugh! Chris was his usual wonderful Dame character, with
great stage presence, wonderful comedic timing... great mannerisms and facial expressions, he
connected and had a great rapport with the audience immediately. Dave created a memorable
character, as always, with great stage presence and wonderful comedic timing, his interaction with
the audiences was second nature. Individually great, as a ‘pair’ amazing... well done you two be
very proud! Loved the laundry routine.
Mia De Luca played Aladdin with charisma and style, Aladdin’s sense of fun came over well -
especially in the scenes with Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey. Aladdin’s love interest, Princess
Blossom, played by Izzy Wade, was spirited and confident, and this all came across well in all facets
of her performance - both Mia and Izzy singing well throughout, particularly their duet “Somewhere
Out There”.
Abanazar played by Dave Harris was the character the audience loved to hate, booing and hissing
him at every entrance. Dave’s character was mean and dark and he relished the reactions from the
audience. Commanding the stage from his first entrance he was a highlight of the production.
This has to be one of the best comic policeman double acts I have ever seen in community theatre
pantomime. Lydia Fish (Hu-Me) and Leo Mercer (Yu) delivered some of the best blend of the
corniest jokes and audience participation. Their enjoyment was infectious.
Completing the principal lineup – Bernard Wilson brought his comedic experience to the hen-pecked
Emperor, dominated by his bossy wife, the Empress, played by Sue Bennett ; even though he
doesn’t appear until half way through the show, Finlay Graham, made an imposing Genie of the
Lamp ; Liz Gonales was clear and confident as the Spirit of the Ring ; Joe Collins was an imposing
Vizier, whilst Neo Birmingham gave a feisty performance as his daughter, Chow Mein ; Sonny
Graham, obviously talented to play a number of characters as “multi-role boy”.
Possibly, the hardest working people on stage were the quintet of Chinese citizens – So Hi (Emily
Foxton), So Lo (Daisy Graham), So Shy (Sky Bradford), So Wot (Mia Bradford) and So So (Lucy
Ella). They cropped up throughout the pantomime, always smiling and in character. They were “So
Good”. Loved their beautiful dance with the Chinese parasols.
I’ve said this before, but I honestly don’t mind repeating myself... STARS are blessed with some
wonderful ‘back stage people’... Jane Collins (Stage Manager) and her crew – Alex Franz, Mel
Silver, Fran Silver, Neil Bradford, Jeff Brown and Brian Stead, Lighting (Daryl Harris, Peter Wallwork & Andy Wright), Sound (Neil & Cole Bradford), Props (David & Joan Waite, Archie Wilson), Wardrobe (Clare Burnside & Margaret Townsley), Make-up (Judith Smith), Scenic artist (Julie Birmingham), Art Work (Joy Binns and Rachel De Luca)! These folk make things look far easier than they actually are... smooth, quiet scene changes, no lengthy blackouts... be proud one and all. All the sets were amazing with some great backdrops to every scene. I thought the ‘Cave Scene’ was superb. The costumes were stunning. And let’s not forget the prompt, Grace Harper – I didn’t hear anything from her so she must have been doing a good job.
It is always brilliant having live music, rather than backing tracks, for pantomime and Peter Boyes
expertly accompanied the cast on the piano, creating a lovely sound to some fabulous song choices.
Chris Binns as Director and his assistant, Jane Collins, must be incredibly proud of their cast and
production team for bringing their wonderful vision to life. There were some fabulous moments from
a UV dragon, an Egyptian sand dance and a Mummy ! Well done.
This was my final official visit as NODA Rep to STARS. So, I want to take this opportunity to thank
you all for your wonderful hospitality over the years. We’ve seen some amazing productions during
that time. You’ve not seen the last of me though – we’ll be back as paying customers next time.
Thank you.
Production Photos
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