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A Magical Panto
Aladdin
Sunderland Empire
Until Sunday
3rd January 2016.
Aladdin
at the Sunderland Empire is a very sparkly affair. The children have lots of
opportunities to get excited and shout. So what better way to celebrate Panto
Day than with a classic show?
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Terence
Maynard (Abanazar)
Photo: Dirk Van
Der Werff / Eggshell Blue
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Terence
Maynard may have finished playing Tony Stewart on Coronation Street but he was very much at
home as the evil magician Abanazar. He managed to get the young kids booing
with vigour early on as stated his quest for world domination. In fact he is a
very good bad guy! It was great to see the
bad guy get a reasonable role rather than just appearing at the side whilst the
scenery is changed as sometimes happens in panto. The trouble for old Abanazar is
that he needs a lad called Aladdin to go into a cave to dig out the lamp with
which he will gain the powers that he so desires.
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Derek Moran
(Wishee Washee)
Photo: Dirk Van
Der Werff / Eggshell Blue
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Over
in Peking Aladdin’s brother, Wishee Washee, has just finished a shift at his
Mother’s laundry. Playing the role is Milkshake’s
Derek Moran who seems very comfortable pulling the audience on side. Derek
gives the audience the usual demands to be greeted whenever he appears or if
anyone goes near his pet dog Tiddles. The youngsters in the crowd take an
immediate shine to him.
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Matthew Dale
(Aladdin) and Leanne Kyte (Princess Jasmine)
Photo: Dirk Van
Der Werff / Eggshell Blue
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No
panto is complete with a number of cruel references to neighbouring parts of
the region and a few jokes headed in the direction of Aladdin actor Matthew
Dale’s hometown of Middlesbrough. The singing in Aladdin was definitely a feature
of the show. Along with the love interest Princess Jasmine, played by Leanne
Kaye, Aladdin had a number of songs to perform in. It is great to see a live band, under musical
director Steve Allen, rather than a tape being used. The live band came into
it’s own during the 12 Days of Christmas. The music chosen reminded us that in
fact, 2015 has had some rather good pop hits.
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Ian Good
(Widow Twankey)
Photo: Dirk Van
Der Werff / Eggshell Blue
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In
his 28th pantomime, Ian Good was full of the quick jokes as the
panto dame Widow Twankey. Ian is also the director of the show and he gave a
very sound performance.
Local
lad Tom Whalley was very funny as PC Pong in a real stand out performance. He
had a genuine energy in his performance.
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Alison Hammond
(Slave of the Ring) and
Alex Green (Genie of the Lamp)
Photo: Dirk Van
Der Werff / Eggshell Blue
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The
show needs some magic and helping Aladdin is the Slave of the Ring performed by
This Morning’s Alison Hammond whose
entrance was noted by the Strictly Come
Dancing theme each time. Her sharp wit came across regularly in the
show. The Genie of the Lamp was played
by Alex Green and he probably deserved a bigger role as the deliverer of wishes.
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Tom Whalley
(PC Pong)
Photo: Dirk Van
Der Werff / Eggshell Blue
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Panto
is challenging to produce and special mention should go to the ensemble known
as the “People of Peking”. They danced
the night away and, along with the young girls from the local dance
schools, didn’t put a foot wrong.
In
a bright, colourful production, the audience had plenty to get excited
about. The show has a youthful energy
and a real positive buzz about it.
This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the
North East Theatre Guide from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Read
the original North East Theatre Guide preview of Aladdin here: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/preview-aladdin-at-sunderland-empire.html
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Terence
Maynard (Abanazar) and Matthew Dale (Aladdin)
Photo: Dirk Van
Der Werff / Eggshell Blue
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Tickets are on sale now from the
Box Office on High Street West, Sunderland, the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022*
and online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland
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Alison Hammond
(Slave of the Ring
Photo: Dirk Van
Der Werff / Eggshell Blue
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Families will also have the chance to take part
in themed Arabian Adventure Tours hosted
by our Creative Learning Department on certain
dates over the festive
period. To find out more and book call 0844 8713022 or book in person at the
Box Office on High Street West.
BSL Signed performance, Wednesday 30 December (2pm) and the Relaxed Performance will be held on Saturday 2 January 2015 (2pm).
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