Aladdin - Dec 2008

                  Aladdin       

BUCKS FREE PRESS review:

This was one of the best amateur pantomimes I have seen. It zipped along at a lively pace and was bright and enjoyable throughout.  It was good to see so many of the cast dancing behind the three competent dancers and made for an excellent opening. Alison Rogers was well cast as Aladdin and Sarah Dobson was a very pretty Princess Badroubador.  Steve Rockell was the most glamorous dame to grace any stage and Mandi McDermott sparkled as the Slave of the Ring in her beautiful costume. Theo Read brought just the right amount of authority to the role of Madam Visier and Mathew Aspden made a regal Emperor. Nick Field as the Mummy made the role light hearted enough not to scare the younger members of the audience. Justin Clinch was excellent as Wishee Washee and livened up the proceedings. He needs to learn to stand still occasionally while delivering his lines and it was a trifle distracting as he was constantly walking up and down. However his slapstick was hilarious and his many falls competently performed. Nick Hook made a majestic Genie of the Lamp and it was great to see the talented Alice Cook in her role as So-Shy. Ewen Haynes brought just the right touch as the evil Abanazar almost toying with the audience in a tongue in cheek manner.  The costumes were gorgeous and the lighting and effects added to the performance.  I was also most impressed with the professional way the cast ad libbed when the need arose.  Keep it up Masque Players this was your best one yet.