See cast details & review – video
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See cast details & review – video |
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The show went on – despite the snow on the second weekend! |
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The Dame, of course, had a full retinue of outfits. |
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The Vizir (Rod Sharp) and his son Norman (Thomas Hiller) turn the traders off the street – the Princess is approaching! |
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Widow Twankey (Martin Wellen) meets Abanazar (David Burnham) for the first time. Boo! |
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Aladdin (Rachel Spiller) and chorus: "I'm a Believer" |
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Aladdin meets the Slave of the Ring (Mel White) |
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In Widow Twankey's laundrette. Her second son Wishee Washee (Ollie West) is behind her (oh yes he is!) |
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The Emperor (Jo Smith) takes no interest in his daughter Princess Jasmine (Katherine Wellen) much to the disgust of his wife (Dil Williamson-Smith). Jasmine's handmaiden Su-Shi (Claudia Ridgely) looks on. Ying & Tong (Karina Farnlucher & Pru Harrold), members of the Emperor's guard, chat among themselves. |
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Princess Jasmine, Su-shi and chorus: "All you need is love" |
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The Ying-Tong Song: Annaliese Farnlucher bursts through with operatic fervour! |
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Chorus inside Aladdin's new palace: "Thank you very much" |
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The Emperor & Empress pay a visit to Aladdin's new palace. They are impressed! |
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View of Aladdin's new palace from afar. Now you see it … |
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… now you don't! |
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And this time the Empress isn't impressed. The Executioner (Hugo Millard) whets his axe in anticipation of work to do! |
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Aladdin is imprisoned, but escapes on a flying carpet (aka rolling rostrum!) to freeze in the foyer for a while. |
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Enough of that! He's back again, heading for a safe docking in Abanazar's land. |
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What would a pantomime be without its Community Song? Some familiar faces join us on stage, and some fresh ones who may join us later in life. |
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The end is nigh! And we get showered with silver paper from above … |
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… ah, there we are, back in the clear! The finale. |
A touch of 'Genieus'!
It was a case of 'the show must go on' when wintry conditions threatened to disrupt Headley Theatre Club's annual pantomime but for those hardy souls who ventured out, their effort was well rewarded.
This year's show, 'Aladdin' provided traditional entertainment for all ages. Jo Smith's highly comic script, on occasion supplemented by some inspired if irreverent ad libbing from cast members had the audience in stitches from the start whilst the colourful costumes and imaginative sets kept both young and old enthralled.
David Burnham as the evil Abanazer entered into the role with relish, eliciting
much booing and hissing at his every appearance but met his match in Mel White
who, as the glamorous Slave of the Ring more than lived up to the part. The
title role of Aladdin
was handled with wit and panache by Rachel Spiller whilst Princess Jasmine,
ably played by Katherine Wellen proved herself not only feisty and charming
but also to have a good singing voice in her duet with her handmaiden Su-Shi
(Claudia Ridgely). Another vocal talent worth keeping an eye out for was Ollie
West as Wishee Washee, Aladdin's brother.
Martin Wellen as a truly statuesque Widow Twankey sported an impressive wardrobe and kept the show moving along at a cracking pace. It is however, hard to single out individuals for particular praise as the entire cast ranging in age from seven to seventy contributed in delivering a spirited and exuberant performance.
A special mention must nevertheless go to the stage manager, Paul Heath and his backstage crew who created some truly magical special effects including a disappearing palace and a flying carpet which had the audience entranced.
Finally, the production would not have been possible without the sterling efforts of Producer, Janet Hardinge and Director, Tina Wareham. The Genie of the Lamp might not have been able to work his magic on Headley's weather but the show certainly lit up a cold January evening for all those lucky enough to get there!
Alison Head
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