Wendy Cook
The New Wolsey’s Christmas pantomime is always a treat and this year’s Wok ‘n’ Roll production of Aladdin is no exception. From the opening scenes, it’s fast paced, colourful, loud, full of funny jokes and of course there’s some fantastic music.
Our story begins with Widow Twanky doing laundry and running her “wok n roll takeaway” with the help of the hapless Wishee Washee. Her son Aladdin falls for the Emperor’s beautiful daughter, however she would never look at someone as poor as Aladdin. Unlucky in love, Aladdin meets Abanazer who is searching for the magical lamp of Ya Kee Poo! Aladdin finds the magical lamp and his fortunes start to change.
Julian Harries makes the perfect Widow Twanky, with his great comedy timing and some fantastic facial expressions, he had the audience roaring with laughter.
Alex Tomkins as Aladdin and Sarah Mahony as the Princess make a wonderful onstage couple and Shirley Darroch is the perfect Genie.
The song of the night has to go to Gregory Clarke as Wishee Washee and his version of Roy Orbison’s In Dreams, which was just outstanding. And was somewhat of a surprise after his great slapstick performances of previous scenes.
A pantomime wouldn’t be a pantomime without a villain to boo and hiss at, and Aladdin doesn’t disappoint. Abanazar played by the talented Johnson Willis is probably the most creepy panto villain you are likely to come across.
The highlight of the night comes in the form of Nanas the Monkey, energetically played by Francesca Loren, who kept in character throughout, even when playing a collection of brass instruments.
Aladdin is a fantastic evening of family fun. The cast have so much fun on stage that you can’t help but be carried along with it all. With over twenty rock and soul classics, great humour, colourful costumes and great performances from the very talented cast this Wok ‘n’ Roll panto is a must this festive season.