Seend Fawlty Players perform 44th village pantomime

SINCE their first pantomime in 1980, Seend Fawlty Players have developed a reputation for a fun evening out with plenty of silliness and audience participation and this year’s production of Aladdin did not disappoint.

“Actor, Chris Waylen as Aladdin, established an immediate rapport with the audience, as did wicked ‘uncle’ Avabanana played with gusto by Len Murray,” says a spokesperson for the group.

“Three witches – Stacey Vaux, Mel Collinge-Cubberley and Paula Mansergh cackled magnificently, with Stacey singing a stunning solo. Pete Wallis and Jackie Hamblin (who were both in that first 1980 panto) were an impressive Sultan and Sultana, with Faye Sandercock making a pleasing debut as the Princess and Jan Field as their royal servant.

“Dan Payne revelled in the role of Aladdin’s mother, pitching it somewhere between Mrs Brown and Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Andy Nutland’s natural gift for comedy was well channelled into the character of the Genie of the Lamp, with Toby Wallis as his old mate Ringo, the Genie of the Ring. Tom Butter and Euan and Emily Bradford-Scoble had double roles as the authentic-looking Chinese dragon and as fortune cookies, while Tom also made a surprising appearance as a banana.

“Three carpet repairers/sellers, played by Matt Bridges, Ronja Galloway and Sam Chard (‘We Buy Any Carpet!’), provided Aladdin’s magic carpet. Sam Garner, as Mr Twanky showed considerable comic potential.

“Co-scriptwriter (with Dan Payne and Anita Shea) and another member of that original 1980 cast, Tessa Doe, was neighbour Mrs Nextdoor while Anita Shea (director) was the narrator and Sarah Clover and Dave Field combined their backstage duties with playing a rabbit and a neighbour, respectively.

“Deryn Stafford was the unflappable piano accompanist; Paul Seemayer organised the lighting and scenery; props, front of house and make-up were provided by Jackie and Nathan Hamblin, Colin Waldeck, Pheobe Martin, Tess Conboy, Dave Field, Sarah Clover, Anne Ewing, Graham Hamblin, Fiona Johnson and Frank Teasdale.

“Proceeds will be donated to Seend Lye Recreation Field.”