NODA North West Magazine

ALADDIN (1998)

Macclesfield Majestic Theatre

Producer: Kevin Clarke

Musical Director: Heather Hayes-Wilson

Choreographer: Carolyn Farrish-Mayer

This was a performance of Aladdin that certainly whizzed off like the magic carpet, so effectively used in this production. The momentum was maintained until the very end of the pantomime. It was an 'Aladdin' which had a busy plot, masses of musical items performed with zeal, even to the incongruous numbers such as. Andrew Hofton's. Portraying One Long Pong, like a genie he magically gave his all, in the middle of the DESERT! Good old pantomime!

Macclesfield M.T.G., apprehensive about moving to a new venue, need never have worried. I know how very hard members have pulled together this last year, and how assistance has been given them by the society, whose home (The Evans Theatre, Wilmslow) it is. Team effort and camaraderie really showed. When one's back is against the wall, a society can go under, or pull together and fight as never before.

Despite the very large company, the cast was only eleven. Bob Hanson (The Emperor) Pam Clarke (Slave of the Lamp) and Max Attaway (The Genie). Nigel Wells as Abanazar was an impressive and commanding 'baddie' . No wonder he wanted a palace!

I thoroughly enjoyed Richard Jackson and Jean Clarke's performances as the oriental two-some, Winnie and Minnie!! Stephen Helliwell has been a very busy young man recently with all his shows delivering much promise. Here he portrayed Wishy Washy with a maturity beyond his years. David McGuiness was Dame Widow Twankey. His ability to cope with any situation and natural warmth and empathy with his audience are such an asset, making the abrasive odd' funny-aside' all the more pertinent. He appeared in a succession of fabulous costumes that Danny La Rue would have been delighted to own. Congratulations once again wardrobe. Alison Gorton was a delightful Princess. Again beautifully costumed. She sang well opposite Amanda Capper who, although still at school and about to appear in he r school's own production, made a splendid Aladdin.

All the elements of a modern pantomime were here, in a very watchable Arabian Night's setting.

 

 

 

 

 

Next Show

"Oklahoma"
.............
4th to 9th October 2010