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Aladdin is one of the most popular pantomimes. It tells the story of a boy who finds a lamp with magical powers at a market. However, the wicked Abanazar wants to steal Aladdin’s lamp to help him become more powerful.
Ulverston Royal British Legion staged the show at the Coronation Hall in the town in 1990.
Under the headline ‘Nothing Wishee Washee about this panto!’, The Mail’s report described how pantomime dame Ken Hindle, dressed in tutu and ballet tights, ensured the opening night of Aladdin was full of riotous comedy.
Ken, as Widow Twankey, leapt and gambolled through the dance of the dying duck in the closing stages of the legion’s annual panto.
Then, panting just a little, he led the audience in the traditional singalong with fellow comedians Terry Leech as Wishee Washee and Susan Little as Suzie Pong.
Richard Rowlatt as Wicked ‘Uncle’ Abanazar, soon had children and grannies booing and hissing, while Quackers the Peking Duck encouraged everyone to protect the Twankee washing line, complete with bloomers.
Quackers was ably played by Denise King, whose daughter Gemma enjoyed herself in the role of the bandaged Egyptian mummy.
Admirable special effects highlighted magic trickery from genies Steve Freeland and Helen Johnson.
The best of the songs was a touching duet by Sarah Springthorpe as Aladdin and Rebecca Parkinson as Princess Jasmine.
As always, the audience’s first love was the dancers. Marion Barstow’s senior girls, led by soloist Joanne Morrison, performed to two dance compositions by Pete Moser.
Barbara Mason’s junior and infant girls tip tapped their way through some attractive sequences.
Simon Bailey and Helen Tate made a relaxed and amusing pair of policemen, while Mark Alsopp was a hopelessly un-stern Grand Vizier.
Aladdin, which was produced by Elaine Parkinson, was due to run at the Coronation Hall for several more days.
