The Stage

Aladdin

Published Monday 29 November 2010 at 12:56 by Ian Barge

The first snow of winter, magically transforming the hills of Herefordshire, coincided with the opening night of the Courtyard’s own magic lamp of a pantomime, an utterly enchanting Aladdin.

Cast members of Aladdin at the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford

For the last 12 years, the Courtyard has brilliantly demonstrated what true community theatre is all about, opening the first glittering window of the city’s Advent calendar. A sense of civic ownership and expectation is palpable as the company plays to its traditional strengths with electrifying energy. Lyndsay Maples’ script balances the lyrical with the satirical and retains the timeless elements of the Aladdin story, enhanced by imaginative innovation. And what a delight to see a local children’s dance troupe performing with such panache under Phillip Aiden’s sharp choreography, galvanised - as is the entire show - by Rab Handleigh’s irresistible live music, with its evocative Chinese motifs.

The acting and singing throughout are captivating. Joseph Davenport’s sprightly, Puckish Aladdin beautifully counterpoints the lyrical tenderness of Zara Kadir’s Princess Mei-Li, while Bob Traynor’s hirsute Abanazar is a consummate study in hissable villainy. Perhaps the crowning glory is the saucy, outrageous Widow Twanky, played by Tim McArthur, a real collector’s item.

Estelle van Warmelo directs with high energy, generating enough theatrical sparks to fire Hereford’s Christmas lights for a month. An unmissable evening.