New Year Production: Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
Panto a delight to watchSome pantomimes presented by amateur companies with the minimum of facilities can be humdrum affairs, but this did not apply to the imaginative production of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves by Silchester Players. Just what they achieved at Silchester Village Hall was remarkable, and the production reflects credit on joint producers Mack and Margaret Flemington. The stage settings were expertly arranged against a background of effective scenery. I thought that Harvey Thomas was brilliant as the Toymaker, but felt sorry for him when he was left stranded on the stage waiting for the chorus to make its entrance — but this was the only break in continuity at the performance I saw. John Davis was the typical dame as Mrs Ali Baba, and I liked Pat Brown as Hamid — a part she played very vivaciously. Stephen Ayres was the pick of the baddies as Abdullah, ably supported by Les Masters as Mustapha. Keith Graham was Ali Baba, Clare Taylor – Morgana, Jan Hullet – Cogra, Christopher Street – Cassum, Adrian Shaw – Hassarac, Mack Flemington – Cassarae and Sharon Morton – Fana. I thought the dance routines were quite good, especially the sand dance. Stephen Oliver was the musical director, and Pam Byway, Glenise Masters and Carole Street the choreographers. It was pleasing to see the company being given so much support by the villagers, not only as principals, dancers and chorus, but as backstage helpers. Arthur Attwood |
This write-up accompanied a number of photographs, probably taken during dress rehearsal. Clearly the reviewer did not pay too much attention to the details of the show — it is a revue (not a review!) and comprised 23 individual items (not six!).
It's a crazy time when this lot take pot luck!Don't worry - these pictures aren't meant to frighten you off. In fact it's just a few snippets of the Silchester Players going through their paces during the annual review, entitled Pot Luck. It's the start of the Players' new season at the local village hall, where the dramatic society has been a regular event over the years. The latest production comprises six sketches incorporating song, dance and slapstick humour put together over the last couple of months. And for those who may care to see what's on offer, tickets are available for performances this Friday and Saturday. For ticket enquiries, contact Janet Taylor on Silchester 700431. The review is showing at Silchester Village Hall starting at 8 pm, entry £2.95 per head — that includes a buffet supper in the interval. |