Aladdin

We are coming up to the Summer performance(well, yes spring really) of U.S.L.E.S my pantomime group so I thought I would post about the production I was most involved in - Aladdin (2009). This was the first thing I had ever written that went on the stage with my dear friend Arkady. We also directed, I stage managed and together with Sarah and Emma made some of the most admired costumes and props we have ever had.

Basically it was a mix of the traditional Chinese laundry Aladdin using an Indian setting - mainly because I wanted an excuse to buy colourful saris. Our princess Amira got to choose her prince in a faithfully recreated revival of 'Blind Date' and our slosh scene involved Primrose the pantomime camel(played by Primrose the pantomime cow) causing Chess to fall into a washtub(splashed the first 2 rows), Arkady being shrunk in the washing machine to reveal a mini member of cast Becci, then stretching her through a mangle and rubbing her dry(making the switch back) to reveal Arkady once more. We had the Union Foundry at mates rates because Arkady has done so much work at TSC. And the music went pretty well too.

The baddies deserve a mention, Jacob was a hilarious Abanazer and Emily was a terrifying Genie of the Ring. I was so proud and exhausted.

The poster was done by Emma Metcalfe who is a (rather fabulous) illustrator.