It hardly seemed possible that five years had gone since we last performed our version of  Aladdin.  We were sorry to lose Sue Ward, who had moved away.  She had done a superb job looking after our costumes and property.  However, Helen Townley and Kim Eastall took over the task of 'dressing' each member of cast.  Sandra Canning was no longer able to assist us and the task of scenery was put into capable hands of Ted Poole.  The venue for rehearsals also changed and we were very grateful to the school for allowing us to rehearse there.  At the time of writing (January 2005) this history rehearsals continue in the school.  At the end of the final performance donations of £100 each were presented to Bentley School and the Village Hall.

Our willing support group was Ted Poole stage manager and scenery, Helen Townley and Kim Eastall costumes and property and Keith Philips (assisted by Martin Walters) sounds and lighting.

The cast in order of appearance were Ted Poole, Bob Perkin, David Eastall, Gordon Riley, Peter Bingham, Helen Townley, Kim Eastall, Robert Townley and Thomas Overton (played two roles).

Press Report: (by Michael Anderton)

'Spirited Show! - cast gets full marks for panto number 13'

The Bentley Players presented their once-a-year show giving a splendid performance of Aladdin.  Much to the amusement of the audience, the Emperor, played by Bob Perkin, needed to carry a copy of the script to check his words and even then got it wrong.

The Prime Minister, played by Ted Poole, was even more hilariously unintelligible, while Robert Townley played a convincingly detestable Abanazer.  Newcomer to the cask, Thomas Overton played the Slave of the Ring and the Genie of the Lamp.  He gave a Julian Clary-like quality to his parts, that is, when he could be seen emerging from the smoke that was liberally used to mark his entrance.

Full marks to all who took part for this 13th performance.  Not only did the audience enjoy the show but the players themselves were in high spirits.  This year, without doubt, was the best performance yet.


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