« See all theatre and the arts

Enter an Aladdin's cave of family fun

05/Dec/2011

Comments:

Sam Tye as Aladdin and Ian Toyne as Widow Twankey. Picture: Marcus Whisson Sam Tye as Aladdin and Ian Toyne as Widow Twankey. Picture: Marcus Whisson

PROFESSIONAL pantomime is well and truly back on the Perth theatre scene.

This time last year, the old panto made a triumphant return to the local stage with veteran theatre director John Senczuk's production of Puss in Boots playing to a sold-out season of 5000 patrons at the now defunct Playhouse Theatre, marking the venue's swansong performance.

Now, Senczuk is continuing the panto's revival with a new version of Middle Eastern folk tale Aladdin, which gained populist appeal in the early '90s with the Disney film adaptation that was part of the cinematic era known as the Disney Renaissance.

Partering Senczuk for this family-fun package of song, dance, slapstick, silliness and audience participation is his associate director, Mark Barford, who was behind this year's productions of The Enchanters and The Magic Pudding.

The 28-year-old - who studied performance at Murdoch University and London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and works as a high school drama teacher - said he opted for Aladdin as it was a perennial panto favourite.

Among the celebrities to have featured in UK productions is busty former Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson and Sir Ian McKellen.

“Aladdin is a traditional panto that's been done very successfully in the UK,” Barford said.

“And obviously everyone knows of the Disney Aladdin, which isn't the same, but there is the connection that's made (among people).”

In keeping with panto tradition (pantos ordinarily include topical references), Barford has given this version a fresh, localised spin.

“It's set on Lake Street, Northbridge, and there's a lot of Perth references,” he said.

“It's about using the synopsis and structure of the story, and then making it our own.”

Barford hopes to continue the revival of the pantomime - traditionally performed during the festive season - well into the future.

“Puss in Boots was very successful and hopefully, we'll be able to do one again next year.”

Aladdin is at Metcalfe Playhouse, Northbridge, from December 9-23.


Emilia Vranjes

Bookmark and Share

What Do You Think?

Share your thoughts in 60 seconds!

Members : login to comment


 

Thursday 17 May 2012

  • Min 8°C
  • Max 21°C

Friday

  • 8 - 21°C

Saturday

  • 9 - 23°C

Most Popular Articles


community digital epaper link

Latest Competitions



Win a share in $20,000 of Coles groceries Go>:


driveway comp

Fuel up with Driveway Go>:



Win a double pass to Bel Ami  Go>:


Win a romantic getaway for two at Fremantle's finest!  Go>:


Win a double pass to the Good Food & Wine show Go>:


Win tickets to FRAGILE  Go>:



Featured Video Clips


2012 RAAF Pearce Air Show promo



Community Newspaper Group Photographer Jon Hewson goes for a spin in a P/C-9A Hawk to help promote the 2012 RAAF Pearce Air Show on May 19 and 20. Video, images and editing by Jon Hewson.



Circus performer Brenna Day



Circus performer Brenna Day talks about her career and upcoming performances in the Perth International Burlesque Festival. Video, images and editing by Matthew Poon.


See more videos 

Search
email subscribe link
Deliver our newspapers linkCommunityPix banner linkSolahart