Review: New Forest Players’ panto Aladdin was high-flying success
FLAMBOYANT costumes, big chorus numbers and clever special effects helped New Forest Players soar to new heights with their wonderful seasonal panto, Aladdin.
On stage at Ballard Performing Arts Centre between Christmas and new year the story followed Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee and his mother Widow Twankey on a spectacular quest for adventure and true love.
With a plethora of local references, the vibrant show was brought to life with beautifully painted and cleverly designed scenery boards, a medley of big pop hits, brilliant props and, of course, a flying carpet! The scene featuring Nelly the Elephant was another huge highlight.
Set in Old Peking, the story follows a love-struck Aladdin, who having watched Princess Jasmine from a tree overlooking the royal garden, is convinced she is the one for him. However, royal protocol dictates Jasmine must marry a rich suitor in order to boost the royal coffers.
Storyteller and magic wish granter, Tina Ward as the Spirit of the Ring, was just brilliant, giving a totally a hilarious and unique take on her character. Victoria Sandford as Aladdin possessed a great stage presence and chemistry with NFP newcomer Charlotte Debonnaire as the feisty Princess Jasmine.
But for me the biggest star of the show was Neil Philips as Wishee Washee, Aladdin’s well-meaning brother. Building a great rapport with the audience, Neil demonstrated perfect comic timing and a wonderful ability to ad-lib.
Sporting an array of ever more flamboyant costumes, Martin Cox was a delightful Widow Twanky, clearly loving every minute of his larger than life role.
Cast as the villainous Abanazar, Ian Prescott made the most of his role as he evoked plenty of boos and hisses from the audience whilst Martin Boor became a flamboyantly theatrical Genie of the Lamp.
Claire Nicholson was just perfect as the self-obsessed Empress, certainly giving Abanazar a run for his money as the show’s villain, while Stephanie McMahan was well cast as Princess Jasmine’s lady in waiting and best pal Honey. Completing the principal cast, Belinda Neil and Debbie Jetten delivered plenty of mad-cap shenanigans as crime fighting duo Sergeant Ball and PC Chain.
However, it was not just the cast that made the show such a success – praise must also go to the brilliant and ever smiling chorus, who made the most of the limited stage area with a medley of brilliant dance routines. The children’s chorus – featuring several fairly tiny youngsters – demonstrated that the future of local am-dram is very much in safe hands.
Panto is very much about the kids, and my 11-year-old daughter who came along with me absolutely loved this show for its hilarious characters, audience participation and engaging storyline.
Under the direction of NFP stalwart Sarah Haberfield the excellent cast and brilliant chorus were clearly supported by a brilliant backstage team, who worked exceptional hard to deliver such a high calibre show. Sadly it’s now too late to catch New Forest Players in panto this year – but you could always add it to your 2025 Christmas wish list!
