Panto season returns to village hall

Coquetdale Amateur Dramatics Society met with a favourable reception for its production of Dick Whittington and his Cat last year after a seven-year run of musicals and musical plays, and because of that success, it has decided to put on another panto. Rehearsals are well under way for Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, on at Rothbury Jubilee Hall from Sunday.

This year welcomes some new faces to a line-up also including numerous long-serving society members.

The story of Ali Baba revolves around the character of Scheherazade, who breaks the Sultan of Baghdad’s habit of beheading his wives by telling him an exciting story every night, leaving it unfinished, only to be completed the following night.

This goes on for 1,001 nights. Intrigued by Scheherazade, the sultan falls in love with her, spares her life and makes her his queen.

It has been directed and choreographed by Heather Howey, and she said: “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is a colourful and funny version of one of these tales, known as the Arabian Nights.

“I very much hope that you will enjoy our tale of intrigue, romance, nonsense and much fun.” The show opens on Sunday for a matinee performance at 2.30pm and then continues on Thursday, February 11, Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th at 7.30pm each night. A 15-minute interval will take place to allow refreshments to be bought.

Tickets, priced £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children, can be bought from Tully’s delicatessen and shop in Rothbury. For details, go to www.facebook.com/
coquetdaleamdram