My husband and I went to see Aladdin, by Nigel Holmes, performed by the Chameleon Theatre Company at Ritchie Memorial Hall last Saturday.
I bumped into my neighbours at the hall. “How many are you here?” I asked.
“15!”
Watching the Chameleons’ pantomime in January has become my neighbours’ family tradition. Three generations and cousins of my neighbours have enjoyed their yearly treat with the Chameleons.
This is what makes the Chameleons’ pantomime so unique in Chandler’s Ford.
The Chameleons are performing nine shows in January, including one special show to entertain the elderly from nursing homes in our community.
Last year the Chameleons celebrated its 50th anniversary. I was lucky to have watched all of their performances last year:
- Review: Dracula by Chameleon Theatre Company
- Review: Relatively Speaking – Another Triumph for Chameleon Theatre Company
- Review: Relatively Speaking – Chandler’s Ford Chameleon Theatre Company
- Review: Fawlty Towers by Chameleon Theatre Company
- Review: The Wizard of Oz by the Chameleons
This year, Chameleon Theatre Company supports Chandler’s Ford Good Neighbours.
Supporting Chandler’s Ford Good Neighbours
Sheila Hardiman, Chairman of the Chameleons said:
“We are supporting Chandler’s Ford Good Neighbours which provides volunteer drivers and befrienders for those who cannot get out easily. ”
“l drive for them and meet some lovely people, but more volunteers are always needed to fulfil all the requests. If you have any spare time, please consider volunteering.”
Review of Aladdin
I have a feeling the performance was made for me, just for me alone.
This pantomime has a Chinese theme. You even get to hear some Chinese music.
The scene is set in Peking (Beijing). The scene and costume are stereotypically Chinese. Just imagine these: Chinese lanterns; characters wear Chinese costume complete with coolie hats; the emperor spots a Chinese-style tash and speaks pidgin English.
The dame, well, fully enjoys herself with her most outrageous flirtations.
Dave Wilkins, with an exaggerated make-up, is rather comfortable in his Chinese-Japanese kimodo dresses. He has the charisma that could trigger the audience’s laughter with just a glance, or a gesture.
The dame also comes up close and personal with her chosen audience. You have been warned.
The sets are brought to life by the wonderful backdrops designed by Terry James.
It’s great to see the Chameleons have an infusion of new blood.
In Aladdin, you could see that the Chameleons have a mix of performers.
Marilyn Dunbar (Spirit of the Ring), Dave Wilkins (Widow Twankey), Geoff Dodsworth (Emperor), Sheila Hardiman (Vizier), Lisa Dunbar (Aladdin), Sian Hayden (Policeman) and a few others are familiar faces, whose performances always live up to high standards.
There are also a few talented young members such as Paul Jones (Wishee Washee), Matt Costen (Abanazar), Kelly Maiden (Princess Yasmine), and Emma Peacock (Zing Zong).
Gillian Wilkins, Director of Aladdin, also successfully directed Peter Pan two years ago.
With Aladdin, Gillian Wilkins has to manage adults and children, and, worse still, her husband.
How did she achieve everything so well? How did she cope with the terrible jokes of Widow Twankey (who has a tendency of being creative on stage) and Wishee Washee? I do not know.
The pantomime brings joy and all are pleased to see love reunited.
Apart from the talented cast, the backstage crew, front of house staff, and all of the technical team are all superb in making Aladdin the best pantomime production.
Credit: Photographs of the stage performance are by Stuart Wineberg.
Highlights of Aladdin on Youtube
Related posts:
- Review: Dracula by Chameleon Theatre Company
- Chameleon Theatre Company Supports Chandler’s Ford Good Neighbours
- Another Triumph for Chameleon Theatre Company
- Review: Relatively Speaking – Chandler’s Ford Chameleon Theatre Company
- Eastleigh Museum Summer Soirée with the Chameleons
- Review: Fawlty Towers by Chameleon Theatre Company
- Review: The Wizard of Oz by the Chameleons
- The Chameleons: Murder Mystery Raised Fund For Kings’ School Winchester
- Chameleons: From Ladykillers To Wizard Of Oz
- Theatre Review: The Ladykillers By Chameleon Theatre Company
- Meet The Chameleons At Hiltingbury Extravanganza
- Vicar Of Dibley By The Chameleons: Brilliant Show
- Chameleons Help Raise £2,000 for Cystic Fibrosis and Multiple Sclerosis Charities
- Chameleons: Superb Spring Happenings
- Chameleons: Magical Peter Pan Delight For Chandler’s Ford
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[…] Keller) and Paul Jones (Frank Lubey), both ridiculously good-looking young men, were hilarious in Aladdin early this year, when Matt played Abanazar, and Paul played Wishee […]