Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

The excitement outside before the panto opened was joyous, two sets of scouts waiting to get into a packed house to see Ali Baba and his forty thieves work their magic, and work they did. I’m always happy to come and see St Paul's, they are the epitome of local community theatre.

The opening number was colourful and great costumes in the hands of Eleanor Hall, Ina Perry and Sue Balneaves. Congrats go out to you for a splendid costume plot. Gorgeous. Praise too to Al and Lily Dollimore for swift stage management. Two matriarchs of local theatre gave us simple but effective choreography by Irene Gardener and good sound and music from Chas Alder.

I have never seen Ali Baba so it’s a first for me, and a good choice for St Paul's, plenty for all in the cast to get involved, and they all did. Ali Baba played by Jon Selves lead this cast of about twenty-ish and lead he did. Andy Soper as Dame Fatima Fandango I thought looked good as a dame. I would have liked a bit more camp and work your audience a bit more, forget the script and ad lib - they don’t know the script! All others in leading roles were played extremely well, all working their audience. That’s what panto is all about. Backing ensemble were all enjoying their time on stage all with big smiles and all the cast were heard and no personal mics, that is a credit to them I heard every word.

A simple but effective set, swiftly set by stage crew.

All the front of house staff are always helpful and ready with a cup of decent tea. This I think is down to Keith Jackson and his staff. Thank you, St Paul's.

All in all this was a great afternoon at St Paul's, Ali Baba and his Forty Thieves. Keep up the good work in community theatre St Paul's.

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