Panto dame Dominic Myers in Aladdin. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
STAGE REVIEWSLICK and polished it was not. But noisy, colourful and jolly good fun it certainly was.
The Panto Players’ Aladdin at the IW Community Club, Cowes, had all the ingredients of a successful amateur panto.
The show, directed by Pam Vaughan, had been scheduled for February but was postponed after Chloe Whillier, who played Aladdin, had surgery to her hips.
Fourteen-year-old Chloe was worth the wait — she made a fabulous Aladdin, with great stage presence and a heart-melting voice. Her rendition of Queen’s I Want To Break Free was unforgettable.
Playing opposite her, as Princess Jasmine, was her 12-year-old sister, Jade, another star in the making.
Yes, there were a few prompts and some of the singing was less than tuneful but nothing detracted from the fun.
The police chase, with Ping and Pong running in slow motion to the Chariots of Fire soundtrack, had the audience roaring. Another highlight was the cave scene with skeletons dancing to Thriller.
Thomas Spicer, as Wishey Washey, was another strong (not to mention exceedingly tall) member of the cast, with a real flair for comedy and dance.
Ray Munt was superbly sleazy as Abanazer, while Dominic Myers made a hilarious dame.
The costumes were outstanding, thanks to Beverley Vaughan, who also played Tiger Lily.
The audience, made up largely of youngsters from a local scout group, helped make the evening a real blast.