Author: Susan DuPont

How lovely to see the return of the FADLOS panto after 3 years and what an asset to the town and coinciding with the Christmas Tree Festival. A good story line in this Tom Whalley script, proper story with all the familiar characters, those terrible old jokes that we recognise, the fun and laughter, the excellent energy, strong singing, and that fast choreography all so on time, just what we expect in a FADLOS traditional panto, excellent.

What a personality, we booed furiously, played to the top of volume and intensity, this Abanazar from Jeremy Barker stole the attention with his wickedness and plotting and took centre stage from everyone, perfect.

Alex Chidichimo as Wishee Washee was excellent in his rapport and communication to all as we greeted him, we looked after his plum tree, he led the chorus in the numbers, led the audience as we shouted at the Mummy, worked hard with his mum the dame, a very useful member of the cast.

As Widow Twankey, Scott Meacock had the different costume for each entrance, stirred up the two sons, encouraged Aladdin in his quest, added to all the fun (especially that food processor), and offered repartee to Emperor Martin Hood.

The two lovers were well matched vocally and very suitable, Aladdin (Lee Gibson) and Princess Jasmine (Caitlin Tuck) gave relevance to the whole story, very believable. And the ladies maid So Shy from Alice Hobbs a very nice voice in that duet, excellent.

To the two magic personalities: Tilly Baron as Slave of the Ring a strong role and in control of the situation to sort out, good singing voice. And with the comedy touches and the ability to shake the story into correct lines, Paula Graver as Genie of the Lamp had the strong personality and drive needed for pushing the final story lines.

A very nice set made to give us the right feeling.

And with all the energy and sparkle from the company to inspire the audience, would one want to be elsewhere on a freezing night when enjoyment was in the hall.

Fakenham’s FADLOS taking pantomime momentum into 2023
20th December 2022 (EDP Article)

Aladdin comes to Fakenham
8th December 2022 (West Norfolk Radio Interview)