Post by Lynda on Dec 4, 2011 14:51:14 GMT
ALADDIN Croydon 2011
After 3 train journies, lots of waiting around, a man jumping under a train. I finally arrived at East Croydon railway station, been traveling from 10.00am – 4.30pm.I was on my way to see the opening night of Panto at the Ashcroft Theatre starring Anthony Hansen as Aladdin, Larry Lamb as Abanazar and Paul Tate as the Emperor. Nathaniel Morrison was also in the show as the Genie of the lamp, so thats three Joseph boys all in one panto, oh yes it is.
Antony is a great Aladdin, during act 1, he is trapped in a cave, the scene cried out for him to sing “Close Every Door to me,” but the Producers didnt put it in, they missed a great opportunity there as lots of Ant's fans would have loved to see him sing that again. Paul was very impressive as the Emperor and Rosa O'Reilly was amazing as his daughter Princess Jasmine. Nathaniel was a 1970's disco diva with a gold lame suit and big big afro wig, he has a powerful voice. I dont remember Aladdin having a brother in the show before, but here his bro Wishy Washy is played by Joe Tracini, who holds the show together with his daft antics and magician moments. He also announces the audience birthdays, on this occasion it was a boy called James who was 4 and a Lynda Robinson from Birmingham who was 74!!!!!!!!! cheeky boys.
Aladdin flies on a magic carpet too. Very brave of him.
Larry Lamb )Archie in Eastenders) was the baddie and did a good job getting plenty of boo's.
The show opens with the great pyramids of Egypt, very Joseph like.Then its off to China.
The Ashcroft Theatre is inside the Fairfields building which also holds a cinema, a larger concert hall as well as various side rooms for private functions, a Brassiere and a cafe and a bar After the show we met in the bar and there was a cabaret on with various acts. The majority of the cast stayed in the bar after the show and they were asked to sing a christmas song which they did,completely unrehearsed. Larry didnt stay but I found out later I was staying at the same hotel as him.
Quinn Patrick plays Widow Twankey, he was also very good, and completely unrecognisable in his normal everyday clothes. PC Pongo aka Oliver Broad had to put up with lots of custard pies in his face. I didnt envy him having all that shaving foam stinging his eyes and throat.
Audience enjoyed the show they were enthusing about it as they made their way out.
There was a woman with a 2 month old baby in the audience, the baby began to cry and she couldnt pacify it, so eventually after about 15 mins she had to go out, as it wasnt fair on the people around her. I shall never understand why people take very young babies and toddlers, they dont understand whats going on and invaribly spoil it for those sitting nearby.
A very good strong cast. ;D
After 3 train journies, lots of waiting around, a man jumping under a train. I finally arrived at East Croydon railway station, been traveling from 10.00am – 4.30pm.I was on my way to see the opening night of Panto at the Ashcroft Theatre starring Anthony Hansen as Aladdin, Larry Lamb as Abanazar and Paul Tate as the Emperor. Nathaniel Morrison was also in the show as the Genie of the lamp, so thats three Joseph boys all in one panto, oh yes it is.
Antony is a great Aladdin, during act 1, he is trapped in a cave, the scene cried out for him to sing “Close Every Door to me,” but the Producers didnt put it in, they missed a great opportunity there as lots of Ant's fans would have loved to see him sing that again. Paul was very impressive as the Emperor and Rosa O'Reilly was amazing as his daughter Princess Jasmine. Nathaniel was a 1970's disco diva with a gold lame suit and big big afro wig, he has a powerful voice. I dont remember Aladdin having a brother in the show before, but here his bro Wishy Washy is played by Joe Tracini, who holds the show together with his daft antics and magician moments. He also announces the audience birthdays, on this occasion it was a boy called James who was 4 and a Lynda Robinson from Birmingham who was 74!!!!!!!!! cheeky boys.
Aladdin flies on a magic carpet too. Very brave of him.
Larry Lamb )Archie in Eastenders) was the baddie and did a good job getting plenty of boo's.
The show opens with the great pyramids of Egypt, very Joseph like.Then its off to China.
The Ashcroft Theatre is inside the Fairfields building which also holds a cinema, a larger concert hall as well as various side rooms for private functions, a Brassiere and a cafe and a bar After the show we met in the bar and there was a cabaret on with various acts. The majority of the cast stayed in the bar after the show and they were asked to sing a christmas song which they did,completely unrehearsed. Larry didnt stay but I found out later I was staying at the same hotel as him.
Quinn Patrick plays Widow Twankey, he was also very good, and completely unrecognisable in his normal everyday clothes. PC Pongo aka Oliver Broad had to put up with lots of custard pies in his face. I didnt envy him having all that shaving foam stinging his eyes and throat.
Audience enjoyed the show they were enthusing about it as they made their way out.
There was a woman with a 2 month old baby in the audience, the baby began to cry and she couldnt pacify it, so eventually after about 15 mins she had to go out, as it wasnt fair on the people around her. I shall never understand why people take very young babies and toddlers, they dont understand whats going on and invaribly spoil it for those sitting nearby.
A very good strong cast. ;D
