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PANTOMIME AT THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST 2009 ALADDIN
BOOK BY TRISH COOKE
28 November 2009 – 16 January 2010
A review by James Fritz for EXTRA! EXTRA!
Panto season is in full swing once again, and with this entertaining production joining those already playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre and The Hackney Empire it would seem that Aladdin is this year’s fairytale of choice. Following the success of their acclaimed 2007 production of Cinderella - which became the first pantomime to be nominated for an Olivier award - the grand Victorian halls of the Theatre Royal Stratford East have once again more than held their own producing a show that manages to infuse a new identity into the classic story whilst losing none of the fun Thankfully choosing to eschew celebrity casting, the production nevertheless adheres to the traditional role of pantomime as theatre of the familiar by paying homage to the East End’s multiculturalism; Aladdin and the princess Jasmine are both given a ‘street’ makeover, whilst Derek Elroy plays his boisterous dame with a broad West Indian accent. It is an approach that is largely compelling, writer Trish Cooke only occasionally overplaying her hand with some moments that see the cringe factor dialled up to eleven (there is a generous helping of forced ghetto talk that includes, amongst others, an awkward name check for rapper Tinchy Strider and multiple uses of the word ‘bling’). On the whole, however, her gags go down a treat, and the modern references play well with the lively Stratford crowd. The production is spectacular, with tour de force effects including a giant talking sphinx and an exhilaratingly convincing magic carpet flight that draws audible gasps from the audience. The oriental design makes excellent use of the theatre’s deep and cavernous stage, using a series of well-crafted backdrops to create a multilayered visual aesthetic that goes far beyond the call of duty for the traditional pantomime. As Aladdin, young Darren Kuppan gives a likeable performance that makes one glad the TRSE didn’t go down the stunt-casting route, whilst there are enjoyable turns from Michael Bertenshaw as withering, faux-Shakespearian Abenazar and Peter Straker, who plays the genie as a sort of cockney James Brown. However it is often said that a pantomime is only as good as its’ dame, and thankfully in this respect Elroy does not disappoint. His Twanky is a witty, uproarious and wholly bizarre creation that dominates proceedings with such gusto that it is hard not to miss him when he is offstage. Some slick choreography and entertaining songs – ridiculous 80’s inspired ballad ‘The Love Bolt’ proved a particular favourite – help to round off a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and though the show begins to lose steam towards its convoluted climax there is no doubt the Theatre Royal have produced a pantomime that will delight adults and children alike.
Ticket Prices: Term Time Weekdays – Adults £16, £10, Children and Conc. £10, £6. Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN
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