Markham Players performed their 2025 pantomime, Aladdin, to appreciative audiences at East Markham Village Hall at the end of January. Directed by Jo Crutchley, the production followed the traditional panto format, with plenty of humour, dance, and audience interaction.
Bob Gale took on the role of the wicked Abanazar, intent on securing the riches of Peking for himself. He enlists Aladdin (Rose Clifford), a humble laundry boy, to help him find the treasure, using a magical ring to summon the Spirit (Kevan Micklethwaite). Clifford’s portrayal of Aladdin demonstrated her impressive stage presence, having been with the Players for three years.
Local favourite Mary Dainton returned to the stage as Wishee Washee, delivering a lively and engaging performance. Her brother, Aladdin, was played by the statuesque Clifford, whose confident portrayal of the character was a highlight.
The family laundry business introduced Widow Twankey (Mark Thornton), who brought his trademark humour and ad-libbed moments to the role. His interactions with the audience, particularly those in the front row, were a fun element throughout the show.
The costumes, created by Cheryl Harrison, were a feast for the eyes, complementing the colourful Chinese setting of the plot. Jayne Clarke and her team’s make-up skills further enhanced the vibrant production.
When Princess Jasmine (Penelope Thornton) arrived in the market, her beauty captivated Aladdin. He was challenged by Wishee to look directly at the princess, risking punishment, which began a whirlwind romance between the two. Attendant So-Shy (Jasmine Porter) added another layer of charm to the royal presence.
The Peking police, led by officers Chris Porter and Gordon Sims, ensured order with typical panto humour, while WPCs Jayne Clarke and Dee Abbott used funny body language to bring their characters to life.
Aladdin’s quest took him on an adventure, where he faced a cave filled with treasure. In a twist, he throws the ring in, only to realise that the scruffy old lamp inside is far more valuable than the jewels. With the help of the Genie (Tara Jennings), Aladdin’s fortunes change, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and surprises.
As the story unfolds, the Emperor (Tony Bell) is seduced by the riches and agrees to Aladdin marrying his daughter. However, Aladdin’s choice of Wishee Washee to look after the magic lamp leads to a hilarious exchange when Abanazar returns, disguised as a lamp salesman. Despite advice from the audience, Wishee exchanges the valuable lamp for a shiny but useless one.
The production ended with a clever laundry scene where Wishee, thrown into the washer, shrinks into a townsfolk character, much to the delight of the audience. The final act saw a classic struggle for the lamp, culminating in a wedding scene and an invitation for the audience to return next year.
For those interested in getting involved, there are always opportunities backstage and on stage. More information can be found on Facebook by searching for ‘Markham Players’.