By Sam Allen
With their family-orientated pantomime favourite, Aladdin, the wonderfully friendly folk at Moorlight Theatre in Street have once again captured the very essence of community theatre. With some fifty people on the stage and who knows how many more supporting behind the scenes, this show was a tribute to teamwork and cooperation. Moorlight encompasses the very best of inclusivity with an ensemble of all ages encompassing old hands and pantomime novices and everyone in between. It truly is a delight to experience.
And with so many on the stage did they end up scrimping and saving on the costumes? Did they heck! There was the most wonderful range of colour-coordinating costumes on display right from the get go through to the most fantastic blue- and gold-themed finale. And the colours of the costumes were enhanced not only by the set but by some very fine lighting, creating a visual delight.
Moorlight wouldn’t be Moorlight without a little something extra by way of a special effect or two and this year was no exception. Just before the interval we were treated to a delightful magic carpet sequence. And then we had a wonderful underwater sequence with illuminated sea creatures floating through the auditorium. These things stay in the minds of the youngsters for years to come. Ah! The magic of pantomime.
And this was truly traditional pantomime in every sense. We had all the usual favourite Aladdin characters (including ‘Ave a banana), a little slapstick, a ‘behind you’ scene, a touch of romance and the inevitable clash of good and evil. We had song and dance (with a slick live band), good old fashioned comedy and, of course, audience interaction. Oh yes we… oh, let’s not go there!
What a wonderful way for the people of Street to start off Christmas. And, with a full house (the 7 o’clock start is a great way to encourage more kids) the enduring popularity of this long-established company was well in evidence. And long may it continue.
Thanks for inviting us, thanks for the friendly welcome and thanks for the much-appreciated half-time cup of tea. But most of all, thanks for being Moorlight!
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