The Jewel of Marakesh

The open stage depicted a scene from an eastern bazaar that was well constructed and painted, and the simple book flats turned to reveal the other scenes in this production, all well managed by Julie Daniel, Cynthia Church and Andrew Moore. Brother and sister , Karim and Persia played confidently by Helen Murphy and Eve Daniel, are left to their own devices by their wayward parents and stumble upon a plot to overthrow the Caliph of Marrakesh, instigated by the Humphrey Bogart fixated Caliph of Casablanca, Scott Millington. The siblings then attempt to foil the plan as the magical Jewel of Marrakesh forces the Caliph, played excellently by Nick Grantham, to make ridiculous decisions and laws, including throwing his own daughter, the Princess Lara, played by Sarah Postins, into the dungeon. Pippa Ellson did a good job of playing the tipsy Calipha, as did Vivien Reffin as her elderly gambling, biker chick mother. Laura Knott was the dodgy car dealer Mondeo, that with the help of side kicks, Nissan and Datsun, played with great enthusiasm by Fraser Ellson and Joe Daniel were accomplices in the coup, until they were apprehended by Michelle Dubois, played by Anne Allured. Jeff Knott and Jane Kaye were an entertaining double act as Major and Mrs. Major Deformity, as was Julie Daniel and Phil Ward as Tour Reps Chantelle and Jason.

The story was carried along by the friendly market stall holder Hassan, played by Steve Kaye, who also played the guitar in the excellent live band along with Gerald Ward and Brenda Stewart.

The Lighting was well designed and executed. The Costumes and Props by Rowena Hofbauer, Cynthia Church and Christine Eggleston, were very good indeed. Pam Wardle did a good job of the Choreography and was wise to keep it fairly simple on the limited stage. The whole ensemble sang the songs confidently and with plenty of volume. Scott Millington & Julie Daniel, who also wrote this original and very imaginative and funny script, did a great job of directing this Pantomime, the large cast were managed very well and the whole production had a good pace.

Well done Catworth, this was a good and entertaining Pantomime.

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