NODA North West Magazine

ALI BABA & THE FORTY THIEVES (1995)

Macclesfield Majestic Theatre

Producer: Shirley Davies
Choreographer: Kevin Clarke
Musical Director: Heather Hayes-Wilson

What an enjoyable evening this turned out to be. This was a pantomime for everyone, a mainly traditional storyline with enough modern touches. All the ensemble numbers had verve and it had one of the happiest looking casts. The finale was super!

Doreen Milne as wardrobe co-ordinator played no small part with the visual effects. What a pity the Baubles, Bangles ..... number could not have been repeated.

The large cast was well chosen and strong on acting as well as singing. There was Tracy Moss (George) and Alison Gordon (Belladora) as principal girl. Jean Clarke certainly made her mark as the Rhodean, jolly hockey stick Princess Mediora and Angela MacIntyre (Princess Sapphire) was an ideal principal boy. There was a lovely, loveable performance from young Richard Jackson as the ever anxious bird, Mac Caw. I hope his legs have straightened out now!

Comedy was a strong element, with Dave McGuiness as irascible Dame Marcow Dowzer, while Steve Clayton and Duncan Trew as thieves 39 and 40 respectively, stole every laugh they could, nearly going 'overboard' in the camel scene! Loved their Rich Maharaja number!

As chief instigator of drawing "boos" from the audience, Tina Lynn Fletcher was very good. This is a part which probably doesn't work well at rehearsals, but she had learned to wait for her audience to settle down before speaking and was a master of the baleful look. The surprise was the VOICE. Her range was enormous and even discounting a chest mic', Tina's solo was superb.

It was a pantomime for everyone and Marsall Lancaster as Ali Baba was everyone's favourite - bright and chirpy. He could also be sad and reflective and had a pleasant singing voice.

The production team should be very pleased with yet another success.

 

 

 

 

 

Next Show

"Kiss Me Kate"
.............
1st to 6th October 2012