ALI BABA & THE FORTY THIEVES Director: Geoffrey Millard Choreographer: Sarah Whitfield Dancers provided by The Whitfield School of Dancing. APeel Drama Group There have been many different stories used for pantomime over the years. “Bluebeard”, “Humpty Dumpty”, and “Robinson Crusoe” to name but a few. These were trimmed down to be among the most popular titles we see advertised each season. “Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp” is one of “The Arabian Nights Entertainments” and it certainly takes its place to be at the top of that list of most popular. “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” is another story from those “The Arabian Nights” tales and one which is making its comeback to the pantomime stage. The bespoke set created all the imagery to be able to transport the audience to the ancient land of Persia. The costumes were all full of eastern promise adding to the overall mystique. This is the story of the two children of Washy Wishy, Ail Baba and Kasssim Baba and their exploits with Abdul Abulbul and his forty thieves. The dance breaks were well choreographed, and the dance troupe looked good in their costumes made by Jean Kilburn. John Essex played Dame Washy Wishy showing how to get the most out of the script. His comic musical number, “Boom Bang-a-Bang” showed his comic timing, alhough unfortunately the Conchita Wurst character presentation was a little underwhelming. The sub plot of the would be romance of Kasssim (playfully portrayed by Norman Beaver) and Desiree Uneoeuf, Gillian Roberts, was effective in her role and together with Kasssim, their portrayals added that touch of romance to the main story line.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU3MzQ=