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Sinbad, Spetisbury Occasional Dramatic Society, Village Hall, Spetisbury

THIS lively panto, well directed by Tim Munford, screamed originality from start to finish, with great music from  Mark Cheesley on guitar and a highly amusing script to boot – and no, the boot had nothing to do with wicked bootlegger Al Capone (Steve Hall), would-be suitor to Princess Shaheen (Gayle Palmer). But the Princess only has eyes for the brave, if arrogant, Sinbad (an excellent Nikki Black), who must capture and bring back a dangerous Giant Rok Bird if he is to win her hand.

Cue a sea journey in the company of three oddballs - dame, Emphysema (Julian Black), Mustapha Kip (Anita Chapman), Abu Meringue (Alex Cummings) and, naturally, a camel. Along the way they find themselves in a country where there are giant bouncing mice (and souvenirs in the shape of Sydney Opera House!), and are captured by a strange pirate band led by Captain Gwen (Nevette Hillier).

Genies Ali Gator and Ali Kazim (brilliantly played by Anna Brown and Lou Hillierski) respectively thwart and aid Sinbad, in between fighting each other on their magic carpets – another superb idea – until all is resolved and Sinbad and his Rok chick return to safety and the Princess.

A great evening.

Linda Kirkman

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