Aladdin – Sutton Arts Theatre

Sutton Arts Theatre

Friday 5th December– Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Sutton Arts Theatre’s Aladdin, directed by Emily Armstrong and Dexter Whitehead, is a delightful festive adventure packed with sparkle, laughter and heart. With its dazzling costumes, lively choreography and plenty of panto fun, this production truly captures the magic of the season.

Harriet Gordon shines in the title role with a fantastic voice and natural stage presence. Her chemistry with Evie O’Malley as Princess Jasmine is effortless — their duets are beautifully performed and stand out as real highlights of the evening.

Paul Atkins is a joy as Widow Twankey, stealing every scene with his outrageous outfits and quick-fire one-liners. Dave Thane makes a wonderfully menacing Abanazar, delivering just the right amount of villainy to keep the boos and hisses coming thick and fast.

Keyleigh Alison delights as Lala, Wishy-Washy’s loyal admirer, adding extra comic charm with her Brummie humour and lively stage presence. Jerome Pinnock-Glasgow gives an energetic and enthusiastic turn as the Genie, while Kane Blundell and Connor Taylor are a hilarious pairing as Sgt Tik and PC Tok, keeping the laughs flowing throughout.

Micah Hardwick-Beckford brings poise and grace as the Spirit of the Ring, providing a calm and engaging narrative thread that ties the story together. The ensemble dance numbers, choreographed by Janine Henderson, are slick, well-rehearsed and full of festive energy, complemented by strong musical direction from Gladstone Wilson and his talented band.

With colourful sets designed by Mark Nattrass and an enthusiastic company clearly enjoying every moment, this is pantomime done right – bright, funny and full of heart.

Standout performances come from Harriet Gordon, Evie O’Malley and Paul Atkins, who together anchor the show with charisma, chemistry and comedy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A magical, feel-good panto bursting with talent, laughter and festive sparkle — a real Christmas treat from Sutton Arts Theatre.

Witness For The Prosecution

Sutton Arts Theatre

Tuesday 9th September 2025 (Dress Rehearsal)

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

As I entered the auditorium this evening to take my place for Agatha Christie’s courtroom suspense drama, ‘Witness For The Prosecution’, I was greeted by an open set on stage. A courtroom, wooden benches for the defendant, barristers, etc, and a higher, central one for the judge. It looked both authentic and theatrical.

The play opened with three characters walking on to stage in darkness. A fight ensues and the lights come up revealing two policemen and one individual being dragged off stage as the stage empties a hangman’s noose dropped from the gantry somewhat setting the scene.

As with all shows I have seen at Sutton Arts the stage has to transform from one set to another thus creating gaps of darkness although these are shot and kept to a minimum.

Sir Wilfred Roberts QC played by Dan Payne Mr Mayhew played by Patrick Rayson both gave grounded and credible performances as members of the bar. I have to say that my contact with such personages has been very infrequent fortunately, but they both presented the stereotype to perfection. The same can also be said of Geoff Holman as Judge Justice Wainwright played by Andrew Tomlinson and Stewart Mathers as Mr. Myers QC. played by Alan Groucott

The accused, Leonard Vole played by Kieran Jenkins, was totally convincing and (without giving too much away), his tiny but excellently measured character change towards the end was superb. A very personable actor, and hit the nail on the head with this role. His wife, the “foreign” Romaine Vole was played with stylish arrogance, and given just the right amount of superciliousness by Laura Hinton.

l have to mention Greta played by Keyleigh Alison the over enthusiastic and starstruck assistant to Sir Wilfred lightheaded but confident and obviously self assured, who cant seem to find anything wrong with someone being accused of murder, perfectly played.

However, the acting and following direction, was far from “amdram”. Director Dexter Whitehead had worked well in creating the correct feel to this story, building the whodunnit element with skill. The first act was a little slow at times, but the characterisations were solid, realistic, and believable. The second act was swifter and more engaging, and I certainly had not guessed the entirety of the clever denouement.

This was a very strong ensemble cast and they all worked well to bring about this dramatic and very wordy script. I admit to never having seen the stage play before, and to not remembering the film, which I watched when too young to appreciate it. So, tonight I was watching the plot unravel for the first time, and it was quite fascinating.

Overall however, a sturdy and gripping piece of whodunnit theatre, performed by a strong and talented group, keeping one engaged and guessing right to the end [that is, if you don’t already know the story!].