This was the year for a return to Dick Whittington.  A newcomer, John Scoines, was welcomed this year.  In order to make him feel at home he was given the demanding role of the Sultan of Morocco and at the time rose to the challenge of narrating the story.  At the end of the final performance donations of £150 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 Bob Perkin, Peter Bingham, Gordon Riley, Helen Townley, Thomas Overton, Kim Eastall, David Eastall, Ted Poole, John Scoines who played a part and also narrated.

Press Report: (by Michael Anderton)

'Another Bentley Success'

The annual outing of the Bentley Players presented the pantomime Dick Whittington with the usual brand of humour that can only be appreciated by local people playing in front of a local audience. The stars of this year's show were the costumes and props, so superbly devised by Helen Townley ( Dick Whittington) and Kim Eastall (Alice Fitzwarren).

David Eastall playing the Captain really looked the part with his specially grown Desperate Dan beard and full naval uniform, while the singing voice of Peter Bingham (Flora the Cook) took everyone by surprise.

Newcomer to the cast, John Scoines, expertly played the Sultan of Morocco and undertook the job of narrating the story. The script, as always, went a little awry, but thanks to the innovative prompting from Bob Perkin (Alderman Fitzwarren), who always seemed to have a copy of the words available, everyone got going again.

The money raised enabled Director Charles Cripps to present cheques for £150 each to the Village Hall Committee and Bentley School. Another job well done by a spirited band of enthusiasts.

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