This was the year
for
Aladdin
to return. We welcomed
Elizabeth Baldwin to the cast who brought about a dramatic change
to the average age of the cast. At the end of the final
performance donations of £250 each were presented to Bentley School
and the Village Hall.
Our willing support group was Ted Poole stage manager and scenery,
Kim Eastall and Caroline Prangle costumes and property and
Keith Philips (assisted by David Eastall) sounds and
lighting.
The cast in order of appearance were David Eastall, Bob Perkin,
Caroline Prangle, Gordon Riley, David Prangle, Kim Eastall,
Elizabeth Baldwin, John Scoines and Ted Poole (played two
parts).
Press
Report: (by Michael Anderton)
The press report said that the Bentley Players undertook their
18th annual pantomime in the village hall with a localised version
of Aladdin, set in the mythical village of Lower Bentley. New to
the cast this year was Elizabeth Baldwin as Princess Bentley,
providing a word-perfect performance and some welcome youthfulness
to the show.
Aladdin was played by Kim Eastall, an ideal casting, whilst the
feared and hated Abanazer was played by John Scoines, whose strong
voice was just what was needed to overcome the boos and hisses from
the audience. David Prangle played Aladdin's mother, Widow Twankey,
complete with the usual outrageous costumes, while her other son,
Wishee Washee, was played by Gordon Riley, who put on a
professional dance routine that drew rounds of applause every time
he performed. Bob Perkin overcome a late dose of 'flu to
successfully play the Emperor, supported by Caroline Prangle as the
Dowager Empress.
As always, the entrance of Ted Poole, playing the Slave of the
Ring and the Genie of the Lamp, and reminiscent of a Benny Hill
look alike, brought a roar of welcome from the audience at his
every appearance on the stage. However, Ted also acts as stage
manager, and panto technician, giving much of his time each year to
the production of the show.
The usual references to local people and places gave the show a
real village atmosphere, encouraging much banter and merriment
between the audience and the players. It is always difficult to put
on a show like this with such a small stage, but as usual, the
event went off quite smoothly, with just a few of the inevitable
prompts from off stage to keep the ball rolling. David Eastall
played the role of the Wazir whilst assisting Keith Phillips, who
managed the sound and lights to great effect.
Charles Cripps wrote and directed the show and when it was all
over, presented cheques for £250 each to Bentley School and the
Village Hall Management Committee. The Bentley Players seem to
enjoy their annual outing, taking many months to prepare for three
performances, but once again they have had another successful
year.
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