Shotley Drama Group presents Aladdin.

Shotley Village Hall

15, 16, 17 and 18 February

While most of us continue to face challenging times there is always one constant guaranteed to put a smile on the face and lift spirits.

This classic tale of rags to riches via a Genie in a lamp achieves that in bundles and appeals not just to those with family members in the cast, but a wider audience looking for good time.

Shotley Drama Group has once again granted the wishes of those that relish the joys of panto, with all the farce, frivolity and fun. Fittingly given the Valentine week, this classic is laced with love and while we know there will be a happy ending, we actually get more than one.

Aladdin adults having fun and leading by example

A quick glance at the programme, and the play on names along with the brightly decorated Shotley village hall gives an indication of what is to follow.

Of course the children steal the show with their glorious costumes, singing, dancing and interaction, and their underlying enjoyment and little touches off script, add to the tangible sense of being part of something special.

There are so many excellent individual performances that make it work as a whole with the stalwarts reliable, dedicated and provided a sturdy platform for the young ones to be at their creative best.

Newcomer Ben Ambrose was sure-footed, word perfect and convincing as the villainous Abanazar (Ab-an-a-zar) with his darkness contrasted by Mel Connell as the light of goodness that is the Spirit of the Ring and pair guide the audience through the panto, which has to have its Dame.

Connor Sams is perfectly cast in that role as washerwoman Widow Twankey. His cheeky interpretation helps feeds the one-liners, especially for 'son' Wishee Washey superbly played by Scar Price. Scar's comic-timing, expressive participation and ability to interact with the audience, while also keeping the long-running thread alive is as impressive and rare as a camel in a bowler hat.

When not being pursued by the effervescent Naomi Mitchell as Princess Lilac, Wishee Washey is being chased by comic cops Foo Yung and Chow Mein (Lynne Catling and Josie Troman) which lends itself to laundry basket full of little gags.

Eponymous hero Aladdin (Evie Keeble) bounces of a numerous partners, and daunting costume changes, through out and the will-they, won't they? love interest with fragrant Princess Lotus keeps the audience hooked, especially when the evil Abanazar, uses the genie to manipulate the hapless Emperor and Empress of Peking AKA Cop Suey and Dragona, played by a tittering Nathan Johnson and Diane Taylor, whose Dot Cotton surprisingly fits with the theme.

Emily Troman, stunning solo.

There are plenty of songs to clap and tap the toes with and Emily Troman's solo is stunning - (take a tissue), while choreographer Bekkie Heath has been clever with the choice of various dance routines, performed well by the cast from young to old.

All in all, wonderful entertainment for all the family put together by director and producer Mandy Peters and her army of behind the scenes volunteers with many well-known village families involved.

No spoiler alert needed to say there are happy endings, including art imitating life with the Genie and Spirit of the Ring romantically linking up.

There are touching tributes interwoven into the show, if you know you know, but again underlining the close knit community with its big heart, and sense of humour.

Shotley Drama Group is the very fabric of the village, with generations touched in one way or another over the years and long may that continue.

Get your tickets from The Rose Inn, Holingsworths, or direct from Mandy 787460. Some may be available on the night but best to check.

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