It's another smash hit for CADS

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Coquetdale Amateur Dramatics Group.
Coquetdale Amateur Dramatics Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Picture by Duncan Elson.Coquetdale Amateur Dramatics Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Picture by Duncan Elson.
Coquetdale Amateur Dramatics Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Picture by Duncan Elson.

A Michael Jackson dancing baddie, a dame with more outfits than Liberace and some exceptional singing from a cast that spans the Coquet Valley.

Yes, it is that time of year again when the Coquetdale Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) puts on its annual performanc.

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Carrying on from last year’s success with Dick Whittington, the drama group has pulled off another excellent show with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

Ali Baba has lots of comedy moments, many of which are provided by the double act of Bashim and Grabit, played by Coquetdale youngsters Robert Howey and Victoria Richardson.

In addition, we have the comedy villain and leader of the forty thieves Ashbad, played by newcomer John Mawer – his Michael Jackson routine is definitely something to keep an eye out for.

Old favourite Mike Jevons is once again a brilliant Pantomime Dame.

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This year he is Fatima Fandango with accompanying outfits that would put even Liberace and Dame Edna to shame.

The show has several more musical numbers this year than last and they went down very well with both adults and children, who could be heard singing along to classics such as Blame it on the Boogie, I want to hold your hand and a version of Let it go from the Disney hit Frozen.

The CADS group has managed to bring together a pantomime that showcases the fantastic talent of some of its long-standing members such as Kay Evans as Caterina.

With her cracking pair of lungs she belts out Let it go with some ease.

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At the same time the group is nurturing  the talent of the next generation with the likes of Kirsty Famelton as Marjana and a chorus of young people who look set to carry on the group’s fantastic productions in future years.

The star of the show has to be Joan Wilkinson though, sporting hair that has not been seen since Tina Turner sang What’s love got to do with it.

Joan truly is the Drama Queen.

Long may her reign continue.

Ali Baba has a cast of people of all ages and a vast backstage and front of house crew: you just need to open the programme to see how many people are involved behind the scenes to ensure the show’s success. 

If you are looking for an evening of light and family-friendly entertainment, I would wholeheartedly recommend this show. 

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Well done once again CADS. You have not failed to deliver and no one who paid to see Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves was robbed.

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Coquetdale Amateur Dramatic Society, is on at Jubilee Hall, Rothbury, from Thursday, February 11, to Saturday February, 13 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are on sale at Tully’s in Rothbury and are priced at adults £7.50, concessions £6.50 and children over five £4.50.

Children under five are free.

There are refreshments available before the show and in the interval and, of course, there is a raffle with some excellent prizes.

CAST

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Sue Wood; Kirsty Famelton; Mark Famelton; Pat Lewis; John Mawer; Mike Jevons; Robert Famelton; Bill Wood; Carol Hawkins; Fran Elson; Joan Wilkinson; Kay Evans; Robert Howey; Victoria Richardson. Chorus: Adrian Hulford, Amelie Crawford-Roberts, Angela Izzard, Carolynn Crawford, Emily Ormston, Hazel Meyer, Heather Howey, Ken Branson, Laura Hackett, Laura McTurk, Marion Reynolds, Simon Fountain.

by Steven Bridgett