The mysteries of the East come to Cannington with Panto favourite Aladdin

By Sam Allen

Cannington Pantomime Society chose an old favourite, Aladdin, and added a few twists. In this version Wishee Washee is not Aladdin’s brother, but assistant to Widow Twankey in the laundry, and the traditional policemen were replaced by a couple of chancers from Cannington itself! Pantomime is nothing if not versatile!

Despite the small stage and limited off-stage facilities, they know how to make a dazzling spectacle in the village hall with their colourful backdrops and delightful costumes. And what a spectacle their UV scene was, drawing audible gasps from everyone. And they also know how to enlarge their performing area with an extended stage and entrances and exits through the auditorium, including the famous flying carpet which, festooned with lights, floated through the audience in the conclusion to the first act. And the intimacy of the venue also facilitated some great audience interaction in the packed hall where, even on a Monday night, there were quite a few kids in the crowd.

This was good wholesome family entertainment with some knockabout and slosh for the kids, a touch of magic, and the cutest panda toy ever! There was singing and dancing aplenty and a lot of gags, not least the running gags where Dame Widow Twankey kept referencing Abba songs when addressing Abanazar (Aba for short!).

But even more important than all the usual pantomime traditions was the enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved both on- and off-stage. That enthusiasm is infectious and the audience was having a whale of a time. And it is a tribute to the dedication of everyone involved that the society, which put on its first panto in 2001, continues to thrive, bringing so much pleasure to so many people. The SFD certificates displayed on the wall in the hall are a reflection of that. Long may it go on.