Ali Baba & the 40 Thieves

This Society is as it claims a truly community based panto society with approximately 70 members on stage and nearly as many involved back stage and front of house. Few societies can claim such support. Ali Baba is not one of the most regular produced pantomimes but this updated version by Alan Frayn involves many new characters in the story. The panto was well cast with most of the roles played by regular performers with this theatre company. Samantha Hayward (Ali Baba a Woodcutter) played the role in her usual stylish manner acting and singing with great confidence, she was well supported by Rachel Perry (Marjana a slave girl). Eric Arundell (Fatima Fandago a former Belly Dancer a Dame part role)  perhaps the longest serving dame in the country. Chris Littler-Moore (Mustafa Screwloose Fatima’s house boy) brought much comedy to the show he is now very accomplished in this type of role. Vince Empsall (Asbad King of the thieves) was most suitable for this baddie part character. Amanda Lovell (Evil Queen) and Katy Chadwick (Good Spirit of Arabia) both gave impressive performances. All the smaller principal parts were played well in their supporting roles. The chorus and dancers were well organised and their singing of all the many numbers was an outstanding feature of the show. The costumes were outstanding as usual especially the Golden theme at the finale. The small orchestra were in fine form but I did think the amount of musical numbers (25) was a little excessive and slowed the story down.

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