Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Another lovely warm welcome was waiting for myself and my friend by the people at North Ormesby Minstrels. This time, to be treated to a wonderful performance of ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ in Panto!

I will admit, this is one I had never seen before so I was really excited to see what it was all about (as if the title didn’t give it away enough!)

For me, there were some stand out performances of which I will go in to a bit more detail shortly, but first, I have to give EVERYONE a huge round of applause. The show was brilliant. There was not a weak link in the chain at all and this was echoed by the sounds of laughter and applause from the audiences.

The set was simple yet very effective and enhanced by clever lighting. The entrance to the cave was brilliant. No detail left out. The costumes were all very effective and were befitting of the piece and period. Even If one or two were shall we say…..provocative!

Lesley Maenami as Sheherezade and Keith Lewis as the Sultan were a perfect pairing. Keith, never once straying from the characterisation of a powerful man in charge was perfect for the role and Lesley gave a stellar performance as she has the perfect voice for a true storyteller.

Jill Stephenson as Fatima Fandango….where do I start!?! You were fantastic. Your costumes were hilarious and you just suited the part to a tee. Had myself and my friend in stitches from start to finish. Marty Maenami who played the comic fool of the piece, aptly named Mustafa Screwloose, was so funny! He really kept the audience entertained throughout and worked really well as a double act with Jill. Although I have to say Marty, I will get you back one day for the absolute soaking you gave me with the supersoaker!

The duo of Bashim and Grabbit, played by Garry Dring and Michael Dignan did a great job in their perspective roles under the expert all round ‘badness’ of Matthew Allan as Asbad and their supreme leader Alsatia played by Andrew Buchanan. Both Matthew and Andrew played their parts with gusto and really embodied their dark sides.

Bringing goodness and joy back to story was Helen Brooks as Catelina, the good spirit of Arabia. She commanded the stage with her presence as was a great help in the sotry to Ali Baba, who was effortlessly played by Emma Glen.

Melissa O’ Neill, Finlay Buchanan, Beth Hampson and Colin Conroy all gave great performances in the perspective roles rounding off the principal cast. As I stated previously, there wasn’t a weak link anywhere. Every person on that stage from principals to chorus (who were so energetic and enthusiastic) were having an absolute blast on stage.

My thanks go to you all for a superb night’s entertainment and I can’t wait to be back for the next one.

Thank you

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