Author: Keith Lowe

The fun was infectious in this lively production of Aladdin, directed by Zoe Parkin; when the cast are so obviously enjoying themselves, the audience does too.

It was wonderful to see an abundance of young talent on the stage, giving chorus numbers and crowd scenes a busy, energetic feel throughout.

Emmi Huffinley, as Aladdin, was every inch the archetypal principal boy, around whom the plot (which we all know and love) revolved. Widow Twankey (Allan Jones) did her best to cope with the obligatory silliness of Wishee Washee, brilliantly played by Jess Allatt, who engaged the audience to great effect. The energy provided by the two Policeman, Wong and Pong, played by Joanne Hamilton and Tom Allatt could have powered Horbury for a week; when they burst into the auditorium from the rear – on scooters – the audience knew they were in for something special. A great double act, well presented.

Despite what the Empress (Sue Pickering) said, we all wanted her lovely daughter, Princess Mandarin (Bella Haigh-Butts) to end up with Aladdin. Mandarin’s scenes with Aladdin were sweet; she and her handmaiden, So Shy, played by Sophie Clucas, were a great team. Of course, we had to boo Abanazar (Barry Ottewell) as he did his awful deeds – well, it would have been rude not to.

This pantomime is all about the magic. Rose Cratchley, as the Spirit of the Ring, was terrific (the Spirit is the brains of the entire operation, after all). Daniel Allatt as the Genie of the Lamp was delightfully quirky. Magic abounded!

Exits and entrances through the auditorium as well as the stage were very cleverly used throughout; a nice piece of direction, which included the audience in the play.

The costumes (wardrobe by Patricia Jones and Joy Parkinson) were stunning; bright, colourful and dramatic. The lighting was excellent, with some top-drawer UV scenes.

Favourite scenes? A tie. The great finale – everyone on stage, fantastic dancing (choregraphed by Rachel Hill), bursting with energy, singing their hearts out; and the ‘shrinking of Wishee Washee in the laundry’ scene – magnificently hilarious. Oh, and the spooky ultraviolet dancers in the cave. Oh, and…

Enchantment came to Horbury – on a magic carpet!