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The
Leamington Observer:
Aladdin's
Lamp Brightens January
The
Cubbington Players bring a bit of belated Christmas magic to the
village hall in the pantomime Aladdin.
Not
performed by the group for about 13 years, the script is much
updated with topical gags, songs and tricks which are well received
by the audience.
Worth
particular mention is Mike Crawshaw as Dr Rick-Shaw, the detective
whose failed attempts to catch the evil baddie Abanazer, played by
Mark Frampton, are hilarious.
Ruth
Bishop as Ty-Ping is also very good, as is Joseph Hughes as Dame
Widow Twankey.
A
good balance of songs and acting keeps the play moving along at a
nice pace making the evening spent at Widow Twankey's Swankey Pantry
a most welcome break from the January cold outside.
The
Leamington Courier:
Missing
the X Factor
If
children's shouts and cheers are an accurate measure of success,
then this version of panto favourite Aladdin
must have broken box office records.
Even
so, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with Cubbington
Players' latest show.
It
wasn't because I was told there may not be a seat for me as the hall
was so full; it wasn't the fact that the play was two-and-a-half
hours long (in my opinion far too lengthy for younger children); and
it wasn't even because I didn't get a lollipop.
Perhaps
my expectations were too high considering the standard of previous
performances - but Aladdin
just missed that x-factor.
Something
was missing, that magical something all pantomimes need in order to
make them work.
I
hate to say it because I've always been impressed with the
professionalism of this group and have always had a soft spot for
them - but no magic lamp could save this show,
It
wasn't a complete failure, but neither were there any obvious stars
this time round.
Mark
Frampton and Ruth West as Abanazer and Vellee-Smellee redeemed the
show somewhat, and there was a good attempt at Christina
Aguilera's Genie
in a Bottle
by Victoria Perris. Fiona Broadhurst and Joseph Hughes were
entertaining and the whole thing was well written.
The
youngsters had a whale of a time, and that, I suppose, is what it's
all about.
So
Cubbington Players - I still have faith in you. But next time I want
a lollipop. 6/10. |
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