This four-hander from Wildcard - one of several small companies creating professional theatre in the regions - with the players portraying seven major characters plus numerous others, takes a while to make an impact. There is, however, so much to enjoy - even if at times it seems a little too wordy.
True to form, this Arabian adventure is full of colour, magic, visual splendour and, in this case, haunting original music from Tara Hendry that does wonders for the imagination and adds much to the overall effect. There are several moments of comedy in this production directed

by Andrew Potter, although at times the Theatre Royal audience seemed a little slow to respond.
Andrew Rasheed, Andrew Potter, Anthony Baines and Hendry all make a big impact. Rasheed as Hassan uses his eyes brilliantly to create much feeling, while Potter is amazing as both Selim and Rafi. Some of his scenes as the latter, with Hendry as Pervaneh, are the most absorbing in the play. Hendry is quite a revelation and proves her adaptibilty with a delightful cameo performance as a policeman and Baines is so powerful as

the Caliph and Ishak. They are an amazingly effective quartet and utilise some stunning silhouette images to portray certain aspects of the story and one or two leave little to the imagination.
Hassan is beautifully staged. The last twenty minutes, in particular, are so impressive that the audience is left quite spellbound.