Presented by Paul Elliot at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen – 7th December 1984 – 5th January 1985.
Character: Abanazar
Act One
Prologue: Abanazar’s Lair
- Scene 1: In old Pekin
- Scene 2: Outside Pekin
- Scene 3: The Princess’s garden
- Scene 4: Widow Twankey’s Launderette
- Scene 5: Outside Pekin
- Scene 6: A ravine in the mountains
- Scene 7: Inside Abanaza’s cave
Act Two
- Scene 1: The Festival of Lanterns
- Scene 2: Widow Twankey’s Launderette
- Scene 3: Outside Pekin
- Scene 4: The Garden of Aladdin’s Palace
- Scene 5: The Flight to Egypt
- Scene 6: Aladdin’s palace in Egypt
- Scene 7: Back home in Pekin
- Scene 8: The Royal Wedding
The pantomime Aladdin is one that lends itself particularly to spectacular and colourful settings and costumes, and the 1985/85 Christmas season a spectacular production at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, that left nothing to be desired.
In this respect with a first half finale inside up Abanazar’s (Peter Wyngarde) cave, that glittered and sparkled with a delightful festival of lanterns and a lavish ‘Willow Pattern’ to close the evening. Only in magical effects did the presentation fall a little short of expectations. Add a multi-talented cast an eight-strong dancing chorus augmented by a group of lively youngsters from the Jessiman Shool of Dance, and the clever specialty act and there was all the ingredients for a successful show which was proven with every performance a sell-out.
While Peter was the target of hearty rounds of “Boo’s” from the audience, the children especially took to wishy Washy Washy, played by Scottish comedian, (Allan Stewart), who not only used his ability as an impersonator to excellent effect at many appropriate moments, but he also has a warmth of personality that makes the character irresistible, Denny Willis was his inimitable self as Widow Twanky – brilliantly funny at his best; his funny walk reminiscent of part of his Hunting Quartet but, alas, was been given too few opportunities to use his comic skills to the full.l
Peter Morrison in the role of the Emperor, was said to have made an impressive figure, and carried off the part with great style displaying equal poise and polish in his singing. Meanwhile, Louise English looked every inch a princess to win all hearts, and she too was an accomplished singer Edwina Lori .
Meanwhile, Peter ruled the stage as a splendidly evil looking magician, Abanaza. According to the Aberdeenshire Press and Journal, “He (Peter) needs more vocal bite to complete the characterization.” which was a strange comment to make given that Peter had one of the most powerful voices of the world stage.
The show was enhanced with a performance of the dancing skeletons by Dumarte et Denzar – one of the oldest specialty acts in the business, which provoked shrieks of delight and laughter from the children.
PETER WYNGARDE: The Official Website 