1001 Arabian Nights

1001 Arabian Nights was my first panto this year and it was my first review as a NODA Representative.  The Abbey Community Society is a small enthusiastic group that pull together to produce all their own sets and costumes. They also run their own in-house Social Media, with an impressive website, helping to promote their shows. This aspect is managed by Daniel Burrows.

The show opened well, with the first scene in the local Market Place and the stage was awash with the colour of the costumes.

Any pantomime must have a strong Dame and dastardly Villain. These were provided by Colin Reay as Dame Barber and Keith Robinson as the Vizier.

Emma Holmes as Ali Barber had fallen madly in love with the voice of Princess Jasmina, or so he thought, and was determined to meet his “true love”. However, the voice that had bewitched him, was really the voice of the younger Princess Bobastasia. Unbeknown to anyone, Princess Bobastasia, Played by Justine Abbott had been dressing as a boy in order to visit the town and she had fallen in love with Ali, but could tell no one of her love because they all knew her as Bob.

The parallel plot line was that the Vazier planned to marry Princess Jasmina, in order to gain power and run the country.

Ali’s brother Singbad (Craig Jones), A magic ruby, dancing skeletons (Very effective), a strong-willed camel and a genie, excellently played by Kirsten Mackiewicz, all pulled together to save the day.   

Another visit to the market where the Thief of Baghdad (Kevin Johnson) gave his take on “got to pick a pocket or two”

The show finished with a triple wedding. Ali married Bob’, Singbad married Jasmina and the Vizier, who turned out to be Ali & Singbad’s long lost father, had his spell broken, re-married Dame Barber.

All in all a treat for family viewing.

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