ALADDIN’S LAMP SHINES BRIGHT FOR WADS

After a gap of nearly five years the decision of the Woodcote Amateur Dramatic Society to stage their 55 th Panto was fully justified as their production of Alan P Frayne’s Aladdin illustrated their undoubted flair for this unique and eccentric British tradition. The change to a pre-Christmas format did nothing to dim the enthusiasm of the Woodcote public as all four performances were sold out well in advance.

Aladdin is, of course one of the best known and loved of the pantos, the familiar story line is little altered in Alan Frayne’s version, and the familiarity of the characters in no way detracts from the entertainment value. In this case, the standout performance came from Matthew Heath as the panto villain, Abanazar, the magician set on that world domination through ownership of the lamp. Matthew played the part with the flawless assurance that a professional actor might have brought to the role, so that the audience could identify with him as a somewhat likeable, ‘tongue-in-cheek’
scoundrel, one to be booed and hissed in all the right places.

It was no surprise to find the evergreen Terry Sopp in the role of Widow Twanky. Terry is the quintessential panto dame, and his performance was right up there with so many we have seen over the years. The continuity he provides when he is on stage with his quick-witted ad libs helps to keep the pace going and provides wonderful support to less experienced cast members, not to mention the laughs it gets from the audience.

Chloe Macdonald-Spiers also excelled as the feckless, easy-going, work-shy Aladdin, longing to be wealthy and marry the princess, but clueless about how to achieve his ambitions. Ruby Coyne, in her first leading role made a charming Princess Mandarin and gained confidence as the performance developed. The young couple’s duet, ‘Count on Me’ was one of the show’s highlights.

There were also very assured performances from four of the society’s more experienced actors. Marcia Spiers as the Spirit of the Ring and Helen Coyne, the Genie of the Lamp plus Natalia Ruiz and Marion Piggott who provided the slapstick entertainment as the incompetent cops, Long & Lanky and Hanky Panky.

Two of the WADS rising stars, Gillian Fowmes as the ‘Miss Fixit’ handmaiden to Princess Mandarin, So-Shy,and James Peedell as Wishy Washee, the scatty brother of Aladdin, got their characters just right and gave their strongest performances to date, while society veteran, John Worsfold characterised the Emperor as rather doddery and indecisive, which worked really well.

Both adult and children’s choruses performed well in the musical and dance numbers, and the children deserve a special mention for their enthusiasm and their performance in the dance routines – none more so than Eva Worsfold (age 7) who was a study in concentration and almost flawless with her dance moves – one to watch for the future!

All the usual ingredients of panto so much loved by audiences were on show plus a few extras. The songs and dance routines were colourful and performed with gusto by the cast. The singalong to ‘I’m a Believer,’ was hugely enjoyed by the audience and the authentic Arabian Nights’ costumes were a triumph. The unusual ultra-violet scene transforming Aladdin’s journey from China to Egypt into a magical and colourful fantasy was a memorable feature of the production. The sets and lighting were of the usual high standard and the sound was well-balanced by Theo Scott.

Staging a panto is a major task for a small society like the WADS and yet somehow, they always come up trumps and the backstage team, Director, Patrick Thomas, Producer, Sandy Worsfold, Choreographer, Stephanie Maxwell, Singing Coach, Bobby Manson, Set Designer, Sandra Evans, and Lighting, Dan Scott, deserve huge credit for bringing Aladdin to the Woodcote Village Hall stage. Number 56 in 2025?????

Sam Peates