ALADDIN
Memorial Court Theatre - Northwich
Christmas 2017 saw Vicki star as Sophia, Slave of the Ring in Aladdin for Anton Benson Productions Ltd at Northwich Memorial Court Theatre in Cheshire. An energetic and modern approach to this much loved panto classic ensured there was something for all ages to enjoy. There’s no denying the audiences loved the on-stage chemistry between villain Abanazar aka Charlie Lawson and his side-kick Sophia whose frequent references to the roles that made them famous in Allo Allo and Coronation St, did much to add to the success of the show, along with some madcap exchanges between Wishee Washee (Ryan Greaves) and Widow Twankey (Steve Moorewood). In his panto debut as Aladdin, Ronan Parke delighted with his vocal contributions while Georgie Jackson and Katy Oliver brought their own unique additions to their time honoured roles as Princess Jasmine and the Genie of the Lamp.
Character Analysis
Aladdin
This was a delightfully ditsy, high-energy portrayal with some unexpected surprises along the way including some beautifully timed comic dance routines. A fresh new approach to the traditional, with flashes of the mischievous and much loved Yvette Carte Blanche thrown in for good measure.
Director
Ryan Greaves
Cast
Slave of the Ring – Vicki Michelle
Abanazar – Charles Lawson
Aladdin – Ronan Parke
Wishee Washee – Ryan Greaves
Widow Twankey – Steve Moorewood
Georgie Jackson – Princess Jasmine
Katy Oliver – Genie of the Lamp
Local Press
Online review - We are Chester
“… Naturally, the audience start to boo and hiss as evil Abanazar (Charlie Lawson) and his side-kick the Slave of the Ring (Vicki Michelle) take to the stage and you can’t help but chuckle at the Allo Allo and Coronation Street references that had been weaved into the script and the characters played to these extremely well.
Civic Hall - Bedworth
Until 2002, Vicki's favoured role in Aladdin had been that of Genie of the Ring but 2002 saw her in the title role as Aladdin, giving her a rare opportunity to play Principal Boy. The show was the first professional pantomime to be staged at the Civic Hall and ran for 30 performances.
Character Analysis
Aladdin
This was a high-energy performance played with enthusiasm and mischief. Every inch a Principal Boy.
Director
Melvyn Hayes
Cast include
Vicki’s co-star for the show was Melvyn Hayes as Widow Twankey. Also in the cast were Mark Siney, Matthew Scarlett, Morgan Roberts, Nicola Ball, Barnaby Edwards, Carlton Connell and Tony Kavanagh. Written and produced by Christopher Lillicrap, Jeanette Ranger and The Proper Pantomime Co. The show was warmly received by audiences and critics alike.
Local Press
...not as eye catching as our hero Aladdin played with enthusiasm by Vicki Michelle. Her thigh slapping routines and song and dance scene with the young dancers are a great tonic for the younger members of the audience
Vicki Michelle interacted well.
Vicki Michelle’s entrance left no one in any doubt about her TV credentials or her panto ID.
TV stalwart in the title role and Melvyn Hayes are seasoned pros who bring heaps of knowhow to a venue crying out for years to compete against city rivals on the panto circuit.
Swansea Grand
Vicki recreated her role as Genie of the Ring at Swansea Grand Theatre in 1999 for E and B Productions.
Character Analysis
Genie of the Ring
A powerful force for good, no one messed with this Genie.
Director
Keith Simmons
Cast include
Joining forces were actor and presenter Tim Vincent as Aladdin, Eastender’s Andrew Lynford as Wishee Washee and Hi de Hi’s Barry Howard as Widow Twankey with Ria Jones, Kevin Johns, The Simmons Brothers and Phil Corbett also starring. The Swansea City Football Club mascot Cyril the Swan made numerous manic dashes from one side of the stage to the other receiving rapturous applause for his efforts. For the final performance the audience were treated to an additional member of cast in the form of a mini genie played by Vicki’s very talented daughter Louise, then just ten years old. Although diminutive in stature she certainly had the upper hand when it came to power over her adversaries.
Theatre Royal - Plymouth
In 1994, Vicki was cast in Aladdin at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. An E&B/NTE Production
Character Analysis
Genie of the Ring
Director
Roger Hannah
Cast include
Joining Vicki in the cast were Danny La Rue as a very glamorous and Merry Widow Twankey, Allen Stewart as wishee Washee, Dawson Chance as the Chief of Police aided and abetted by Willy, Theo Massos as Aladdin, Michael Ducarel as the Emperor of China , Liz Curnick, as the Princess, Andrew Bell as the Vizier and The Half Wits as the Chinese Policmen.
Lyceum - Sheffield
Following on from the success of the previous year in Cardiff, Vicki reprised her role as Genie again the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield in 1992, for E&B/AMG Pantomimes.
Character Analysis
Genie of the Ring
Director
Hugh Wooldridge
Cast include
Jeffrey Holland teamed up with Vicki for the second year in succession as Widow Twankey. They were joined by Rosemarie Ford as Aladdin, Kevin Lloyd as Abanazar and Mike Doyle as Wishee Washee with Katy Budd, Barry Clark, Dave Kilner, The Acramaniacs and Dumante et Denzar.
New Theatre - Cardiff
In 1991 Vicki starred as the Genie of the Ring in Aladdin at the New Theatre, Cardiff. Breaking all box office records
Produced by E&B/Triumph Pantomime Company Productions
Character Analysis
Genie of the Ring
Director
Hugh Wooldridge
Cast include
Jeffrey Holland as Widow Twankey, Rosemarie Ford in the title role, Mike Doyle as Wishee Washee and legendary welsh actor Victor Spinetti as the evil Abanazar.