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The traditional colour
and razzmatazz of Paignton’s own pantomime
has survived its move to the smaller Palace
Avenue Theatre.
Aladdin is in typical
Paignton Pantomime Productions’ style, with
magnificent sets and sparkling costumes
-–but the cosy theatre brings a more intimate
atmosphere than was ever possible in the
massive auditorium at the Festival Theatre.
The result on Boxing
Day was a riotous performance – from the
enthusiastic children in the audience.
Although the first
half at the matinee showed understandable
signs of first performance nerves, the second
half moved noticeable up-tempo, with everybody
warming to the spirit of pantoland.
This is an Aladdin
with sparks of originality. The interesting
plot and script is backed up with all the
traditional characters, and the special
effects associated with the Genie, played
by Dennis Vaughan.
Joyce Broadhead was
the leggy principal boy and Julie Howard
was well cast as the sweet-and-innocent
Princess.
There was plenty of
comedy with Colin Matthews as the bright
and blousy Widow Twankey, and David Shortland
as Wishee Washee, Iain Douglas and Graham
Smith made a fine pair of laughing Policemen,
and Peter Randall as the Emperor was the
perfect hen-pecked husband to compliment
Margaret Robertson’s bossy Empress.
The only drawback
was that the cramped stage didn’t leave
room for much creativity from the chorus
and dancers.
Aladdin ran until
January 10th.
Colleen Smith
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