NODA Review:
This was another well written ‘in house’ panto by Paul Chamberlin and Chris Davies, and billed as a continuation of ADS’s first pantomime ‘Sherry Zard and the Sultan’s Curse’. If that alone did not represent a lot of work then this was matched by an excellent, attractive and varied number of sets not to mention a huge number of costumes, shoes, hats, wigs and masks.
In terms of the cast, the first I must mention is Rosie Pring who was not only responsible for direction, but also stood in seamlessly covering for several roles. The action kicked off when the ghost pirates came through the audience and stole the magic lamp. Sinbad played by Jo Bestwick performed with great stage presence, whilst Dilhi (Samuel Perry) and Dalhi (Adam Brown) provided an endearing and energetic double act. When the Genie of the lamp Queenie arrived, Susan Resuggan, wearing a sparkling outfit, gave a sparkling performance, then and throughout.
Of course, no panto is complete without a Dame and Chris Davies fulfilled the role of Dame Delilah, with a cheeky disposition and a twinkle in the eye. Her brother Mustafa (Jon Oseland) played an amusing but haphazard inventor. Dim Li (Maura Williams and Slo Li (Naomi Yendell) created a bubbly pair of characters albeit each having had an IQ test with a negative result!
We met the Sultan and his wife Sherry (Keith Johnston and Myfanwy Griffiths) in their plush Palace Throne Room, who both spoke up well followed by Jaffa (Alan Clarke) who the young audience quickly learned to boo at full volume. The Sultan owes money to Jaffa who threatened to take his kingdom and marry his daughter Raisin – well played by Leah Yendell who also had a fine voice and a good connection with the audience .Good support too from Emily Walker as Currant.
Jaffa’s two henchmen Lofty (Lyn Parkin) and Shorty (Bev Lord) were suitable knock about side-kicks and on Sinbad’s boat to the Isle of Sirens we meet Capt. Pugwash (Ges Taylor) who enjoyed a tipple or three. On the Isle of Sirens the evil Medusa (Sarah Taylor), Sedusa (Gail Rogers) and Redusa (Jackie Tysall) each claimed to be its Queen. Meanwhile Sinbad needs to find a special jewel with a rare elephant pearl and to that end first needs to obtain the ring from the custody of Crook (Rosie Pring). Although an impressive number of characters had been accommodated in the writing of this panto, there was still space for a Vizier (Keith Williams) a Cyclops Guard (Steve Siddle), a camel that tangoed, and last but by no means least, Weenie, a small Genie from a small lamp, bright and well-spoken by Farrah Keating, one to look out for in the future.
There were several well sung musical numbers; including a very funny ‘Now that I’m a Sailor True’, one based on ‘We are Sailing’ which turned into ‘We are Sinking’, ‘Lean on Me’ (changed to ‘Lean on Li’) and ‘Those were the Days’, all with alternative but appropriate words! The band of two guitars and a melodeon gave great support and the lighting and some sound effects were spot on. By the reaction from the audience with a high proportion of youngsters, (some of which you can assume will be experiencing theatre for the first time) the panto was an obvious success and all involved should be congratulated.
Bruce Wyatt, NODA District Representative
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