ALADDIN REVIEWS The Festival Theatre, Malvern Dec 1999 to Jan 2000

The Stage, January 2000 This season's Festival theatre production has been blighted by the illness of Gareth Hunt who, up until the show's fourth day, was playing Abanaza.  His sudden withdrawal has meant that Robert Duncan has stepped into the breach, and he performs with great skill. Sarah Matravers is a stunning Genie of the Ring and takes good care of Aladdin (Richard Swerrun) after his confinement to the vaults.  With Huw Higginson's guiding hand as Wishee Washee, his union with Princess Baldroubadour is made good although the Acromanics (as the Chinese Policeman) get in everyone's way on the road to true happiness. Nicholas Saich is Chief of Police and an impressible James Home runs the laundry in typical chaotic style as Widow Twankey.  There is even room in the action for Sooty, whose whispered asides frustrate the evil Abanazar. Sets provide a feast for the eye and Steve Hill's music lifts the action from the oridnary.  The show is directed by Graham Watkins. By Paul Downey.

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