THIS year's pantomime production by Elgin Amateur Dramatic Society was Peter Denyer's 'Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp'.

The show was set, amongst other places, in Egypt, Africa and Peking, with sets which transported the audience to a creepy Magic Cave, Aladdin's Peking Palace, Thebes and Twankey's Laundry!

The exquisite costumes also complimented the production, as did the contribution of the make-up team, and skilful lighting and sound also enhanced the mood of the show.

The June Roy School of Dance performed a series of elegant and technically demanding dances, ranging from ballet to modern routines.

Musical direction this year was by Hazel Gray, and the score included some excellent songs which appealed to all ages in the audience, as well as offering an opportunity to sing along. The chorus in this year's production included both familiar faces, such as the talented Lindsay Knight and Handley Barrett, and new blood, and the various age groups worked well together. The chorus supported the soloists with great attention to detail in the scenes and dance routines. Ben Mortimer and Scott Chesney were a delight to watch and listen to, and I look forward to seeing them perform more in the years ahead, as they commanded the stage well for such young performers.

The essential comedy duo - PC Ping (Alison Forbes) and PC Pong (Ian Glover) - displayed a rich repertoire of bumbling routines to maximum effect, making the most of every comic opportunity.
The financially embarrassed Emperor of China (Sandy Dow) was given to chopping people's heads off for looking at his daughter, but that aside, had a likable manner and a commanding stage presence.
The Slave of the Ring (Kate Wills) and the Genie of the Lamp (Katie Williams), meanwhile, both displayed excellent vocal delivery and skilful use of movement.

At the launderette, run by Widow Twankey (Martin Kennie), eldest son Wishee Washee (Ben Mortimer) was a delight to watch, commanding the attention of the audience. Meanwhile, as Aladdin, Twankey's other son, Colleen Kennie made me believe every word in what was a truly magnificent performance.
Aladdin's new-found love, Princess So-Shi (Amy Lowe), daughter of the Emperor, was another strong performer who was well matched with Aladdin, and as the ruthless and power-crazed Abanazar, Jimmy Cameron relished his lines with gusto, and the audience instantly warmed to him as the panto villain.
Mrs Twankey held the show together like a pantomime dame should. From the moment the pink hair and the laundry attire hit the boards of the stage, it was joke after joke, routine after routine, and what a laugh it was to watch and giggle with him - an outstanding performance.

Last of all, no show would happen or work without the delicate guidance of a talented director. This year's was Amanda Craib, and a very good job she did. The action was well orchestrated, the casting was spot-on, and the show had clearly been well thought out and was executed with precision.

The show was a fitting tribute to the memory of the late Tom Smith, a stalwart member of the EADS company.