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 |  | Aladdin at the Royal Spa Centre. Reviewed by site user John Fenner.
Pantomimes tend to fall into different categories. At one end there are the highly traditional presentations and, at the other, the glorified variety shows, full of soap micro-stars and minor celebrities.
However, this one fell somewhere in between. It was certainly a colourful production, with outstanding costumes, some gaily painted backdrops and good choreography.
The problem with it was the impoverished script, fleshed out with an excess of musical numbers - some of them seemingly interminable. No one seemed to want to accept responsibility for the script in the programme. I wouldn't either!
Despite the quality of the choreography and high level of teamwork and precision exhibited by the Pattison Theatre Arts Dancers, the production was, at times, pedestrian.
Michael Garland, perhaps, found it a problem combining the role of director with that of Abanazer. He succeeded rather better in the latter.
Generally all the actors struggled against the script. However, Aimi MacDonald, with her distinctive voice, gave a spirited and highly professional account of the Slave of the Ring. She was particularly good when delivering the number All That Jazz.
With the theatre only about 30% full, the cast were always going to struggle to get the audience fully involved on an opening night.
I felt most of them could have spent a little more time getting the kids practised in their responses. No doubt the techniques will improve as the run progresses.
Neil Hurst worked hard as Wishee Washee, and largely succeeds with the poor material, displaying a strong singing voice.
Marc Dominic, for me, was only partially successful as Widow Twankey.
A good dame in Aladdin has the opportunity almost to steal the show. That he failed to do so indicated the shortfall in achievement.
Elsewhere, Emma Field and Holly Lambert sang well and looked good as Aladdin and the Princess respectively.
Angus Lennie, however, gave a rather faltering performance as the Chief of Police. And where, oh where was the slapstick? I really missed that.
Despite all of this, the kids seemed to love it, and I'm sure yours will too. But there will be better pantomimes in the area this season, I am quite sure.
Follow the link on the left for the performance times and details on the Royal Spa Centre website.
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