Paul Pearce-Couch
The songs may not be the most original and the jokes are out of the Ark but there’s no denying that Peter Rowe’s and Alan Ellis’ Rock & Roll Pantos remain popular with the public during these cash-strapped times and bring in much needed revenue.
There was a danger that the New Wolsey’s annual festive event was running out of steam a little in previous years but Rowe and Ellis seem to have re-invigorated their product this year with a slightly more risqué Aladdin.
This isn’t Ibsen and it would be wrong to paint the ‘Wok ‘n’ Roll’ panto as anything other than a few hours of madcap nonsense. However, it is well-written and deserves at much critical attention as even the most high-brow production.
It has little to do with either China or its origins in the Middle East but Aladdin continues to charm and engage with its tale of a poor boy chasing riches to impress the wealthy girl but ultimately finding that being true to himself is more attractive.
Enter into the mix Julian Harries as Aladdin’s mother Widow Twankey, a new departure for the Suffolk-based actor and writer. Harries handles the ad-libbed ‘business’ beautifully and the show fairly rattles along.
Alex Tomkins makes an effective Aladdin, with a strong singing voice and an engaging personality, complimenting perfectly that of Sarah Mahoney as The Princess.
lthough very much an ensemble piece performed by a troupe of very skilled actor-musicians, special mention must be made of the wonderful Johnson Willis, who creates a spectacular and truly creepy villain in Abanazer.
Shirley Darroch, who previously played Frederica the Trainee Fairy in Sleeping Beauty returns to the New Wolsey as The Genie, while Greg Clarke offers a cracking knockabout Wishee Washee.
Wolsey panto old hand Harry Myers, who originally appeared in Cinderella eight years ago, doubles up as the Emperor and opens the tale as the storyteller.
Songs include I'm a Believer, I Can Help, Get Ready and Born to be Wild, which might not immediately seem be numbers that would immediately strike a chord with younger members of the audience but, showing that classic tunes endure, the music is the cement that holds this seasonal favourite together and appeals to all ages.