HERE IS OUR FULL UNEDITED REVIEW OF ALADDIN Director: Natalie Irvine Choreographer: Leah Volke Musical Director: Adam Carstairs I am starting this review by saying that I think that this is the best pantomime I have seen the Rochford District Players produce. To start with, the cast had learnt their lines and the diction was loud and clear. As always, there was a good cast of a wide age mix, filling the small stage. The casting was good and they fitted well into their roles. As always, the sets were simple, but for all that very effective. It always astounds me how these small companies always produce such a good set of costumes, and the make-up too was good. The principles were all good in their roles and I particularly enjoyed watching Melanie English, Lee Urquhart and Simon Uskuri as Widow Twanky and her sons Wishy Washy and Aladdin. Also, a suitably evil Grand Vizier (Geoff McGlashan) and the Princess Jasmine (Abigail English), these five were ably supported by the rest of the principles and the chorus. The fact that the characters were played by actors of the same gender did not detract from pantomime dame mentality of pantomime. The singing was occasionally weak, but the cast seem better directed than I have seen previously. In addition, the choreography and movement on stage was well disciplined and for a pantomime, quite in step which makes the performance more pleasing to the eye. The lighting and sound were adequate for the show, however a little limited by the facilities available, but they made the most of it. The small band was well controlled by Adam Carstairs. Overall, this was an entertaining and enjoyable production, so well done to the Director and the Group. Leslie Judd NODA East District 10	To view all images from Aladdin, click here Cast Abanazar = Garry Rickenberg Slave of the Ring = Pauline Kempster Widow Twanky = Melanie English Wishy Washy = Lee Urquhart Aladdin = Simon Uskuri Waxon = Storm Wilkins Wazoff = Alison Stanton Grand Vizier = Geoff McGlashan Sandra Li = Hollie Hillis Princess Jasmine = Abigail English Empress Chow Mein = Estelle Webster Genie of the Lamp = Simon Bitensky