News feed

Review

Aladdin, Highcliffe Charity Players, Regent Centre, Christchurch

TAKE a brilliant script (by TV scriptwriter Simon Nye), add a company renowned for their excellent pantos, mix in great lighting, sound and costumes, top that with wonderful back-lit projections by the super-talented Neil Mathieson and the result should be magic. It is.

Clearly the production team of Pete Whitaker (director), Louise King (choreographer) and Ian Carter (musical director) used their magic lamp wisely, and their wishes have come true with a cast par excellence who can act, sing, dance and give that little bit extra to boot. And a super band, led by Alastair Hume, adds much to the enjoyment.

There are strong performances all round, especially from main principals Richard Facer (Abanazer), Stuart Tizzard (Widow Twankey), Leah Doyle (Princess Jasmine) and Siobhan Ranns (Aladdin), all of whom are so right in their roles that they should be sold in a package labelled ‘pantomime stars’.

The ever-smiling chorus also stands out, as do those in minor roles – not least Ian Carter, usually on the other side of the footlights but taking to the stage like a duck to water as Genie of the Lamp. 

Try a magic carpet ride to the Regent this week. You won’t be sorry.

Linda Kirkman

return to review index