Once again the Kettering Youth Theatre Group took to the stage with their annual pantomime with more than forty youngsters taking part in this year’s production of Aladdin.
Aladdin has been very well directed and staged by Rebecca Szoltysek and her choreography was very slick, imaginative and energetic. The musical numbers were very well chosen by Rebecca and the quality of singing was very good, occasionally the close harmonies weren’t quite there, but this is something to work on in the future.
The eleven principals were all well cast in their roles. Harry Blumire was a very funny Widow Twankey and he is developing his own unique style and building a good rapport with the audience, well done! Ruby Burke gave a very good and confident performance in the title role of Aladdin. Charlotte Larmour as Sergeant Chop and Ellis Szoltysek as Pc Suey both gave really good performances as the comedy duo and worked very well together. Emily Gunn gave a good and commanding portrayal as the Genie. Olivia Miller was a confidant and quirky Wishee-Washee with a good rapport with the audience. Daisy Christer was a very sweet and charming Jasmine and had some very nicevocals. George Grozier was a very imposing Abanazar and he reacted well to the booing from the audience. Charlie Miles as the Emperor gave a performance which I enjoyed very much he has a very lyrical speaking voice and shows a lot of promise. Eleanor Butt was excellent as Notsoshy, she is another performer with a lot of promise for the future. Matilda Grozier gave a very good and confident performance as the Slave of the Ring. The principal actors were well supported by an energetic and enthusiastic chorus and seven fine vocal soloists. Well done to the entire company!
This production of Aladdin was spectacular. The scenery and sets were very good and the props were excellent. The UV scene was awesome and had a real magic carpet! The costumes for Aladdin were once again absolutely superb and the finale brought oohs and gasps from the audience. Shirley Walker is this year celebrating forty years as the K.Y.T.G wardrobe mistress, what an achievement! The make-up was excellent too with great attention to detail and characters. The lighting and sound quality was mostly very good throughout the performance.
This production of Aladdin was highly entertaining and provided great family entertainment in what was a very traditional pantomime.
Congratulations to you all, both on and off the stage!
CAROLINE JERVIS
NODA EAST MIDLANDS DISTRICT 7 REPRESENTATIVE.
REVIEWED ON 29 TH DECEMBER 2018 AT THE MASQUE THEATRE
