Published Monday 22 December 2008 at 12:40 by Scott Matthewman
Rickmansworth’s latest pantomime starts off well even before curtain up, as The Citrus Brothers warm up the audience and ensure their full engagement with the story as soon as the principal characters arrive.
Maurice Thorogood is suitably demonic as Abanazer, while John Brenner plays Widow Twankey as a Bristolian Amy Winehouse lookalike that is extremely likeable, with a natural pace to the humour that is complemented, rather than overshadowed, by the outlandish costumes.
As the romantic leads, Jonathan Eio and Kelle Bryan are suitably sweet, but when the musical numbers start they really shine. Eio’s musical theatre experience allows him to wring every nuance from the bland pop numbers Aladdin is given, while former Eternal singer Bryan demonstrates an astonishing voice that X Factor winners could only dream of.
Real star of the show, though, must be Peter Duncan as Wishee Washee. Demonstrating a boundless energy that is as infectious as it is exhausting to watch, he helps propel the audience along, which comes in especially useful at the end of the rather-too-long first act.
Combined with dynamic choreography from Louise Travis, who also plays a dual role as two very distinct Genies, the result is a delightful piece of family entertainment.
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