Writer David Fowgies Director Sue Gill Assistant Director David Fowgies Box Office Bev Moon Choreographer Mo Merrell Costume design/maker Jean Goddard Costume assistants Molly Arthurs, Margaret Shore, The cast, families and friends of the group Front of House Managers Sue Gill, Mary Harris, Carole Parsons Front of House Team/catering Kath Bangham, Margaret Dixon, Rosemary Emery, Lyn Warren and team Lighting Director Pete Brown Lighting Team Jim Rogers, Shane Ebbels, Nick Adams, Jamie Swan Make-up Jean Goddard, Gloria Gurton, Anne Smith and cast Musical Director Jim Baker Poster/Programme David Goddard Prompt Nina Sivier Properties Sue Grace, Mary Morgan, Anne Smith Scenic Design/Painting Sue Grace, Helen Newman, Dave Smith Sound Jim Rogers Sound Effects Ray Buckland Set construction/design and stage crew Bernard Crabbe, Steve Gill, Bev Moon, Geoff Morgan, Brian Parsons Stage Manager Steve Gill Wardrobe Mistress Jean Goddard Musicians Jim Baker, Philip Griffith, John and Rick Kirby

VIDEO CLIPS (WMV)
CLIP 1 - 1,036Kb - 0:36 - Primula and Propensia have a battle with Abenazar.
CLIP 2 - 752Kb - 0:26 - Cast members enjoy a slide!!
CLIP 3 - 1,603Kb - 0:57 - The backstage crew entertain as a barbershop quartet.

NODA review of "Aladdin" by representative Gerry Branton

A home grown version, imaginatively written by member David Fowgies, who in turn has been no mean Dame in past productions. Set in and around Whitchurch and surrounding villages, it still retained the oriental flavour and certainly it all worked well, judging by the responses from the audience. With many local references we were soon involved with the characters, led on by an evil Abanazar, a saucy Widow Fannakerpants and her two naughty daughters. Catchy music with well-known songs added to our pleasure with fine singing from Aladdin and a well rehearsed chorus. Acting honours must go to the genie, an ingenious(!) invention by the author making her a waitress, a cross between Julie Walters` character and a one-time Lyons `nippie`. This actress showed beyond doubt what experience and timing can do for comedy. Splendid sets, especially the cave on Dunderry and the Act 2 opening Land Of The Genies, where all entered down a slide onto the stage below. Brilliant! Wonderfully colourful costumes and kimonos completed this attractive panto and a final masterstroke was the barbershop quartet made up of stage crew.

SCENES

ACT ONE

I. The Market Square
II. The Path to The Village
III. The Forest
IV. The Dame's Front Parlour
V. The Path to The Village
VI. The Cave on Dunderry
VII. The Slopes of Dunderry
VIII. The Dame's Front Parlour

ACT TWO

I. The Land of the Genies
II. On the way to the Schoolroom
III. The Old Schoolroom
IV. On the way to the Village
V. The Market Square

FROM THE WHITCHURCH NEWS - JAN 1997

PEOPLE TO SEE - PLACES TO GO
DAVE FOWGIES AND ALADDIN

We were sitting in the St Nicholas church hall in the middle of rehearsals for the parish pantomime - Aladdin. This year's effort has been written by Dave Fowgies to include a traditional tale with an interesting Welsh sub-plot! So we managed to drag him away from the busy schedule to get some inside information.
Q: So what made you write Aladdin?
A: Well I wrote the second act of a pantomime with Judi Smith. I then realised I wanted the fulfilment of writing one in its entirety.
Q: What is it specifically about pantomimes that you enjoy?
A: Its the idea that you can bring together all ages of people, have fun and produce a local event for the whole community. Its not just about the actors on stage, but people behind the scenes, set building, making coffee, costume production and front of house. It provides and opportunity for all of the community.
Q: When you designed the characters did you have anyone in mind?
A: Yes, three of the characters were named after boyhood heroes who were international soccer goalkeepers. So look out for special performances from Jack, Jimmy and Bert. (Can you name their country and club?)
Q: What about the actual practicalities of writing the pantomime - did you spend hours at a time writing it?
A: I wrote it over a two month period - a couple of pages at a time. I had most of the pantomime planned out in my mind right from the very beginning. So I knew how the storyline would evolve. It was important to have the main story, but just as important to include a strong sub-plot. There are one or two interesting effects I wanted to bring about, but you will have to see the pantomime to appreciate them!
Q: How fulfilling do you find writing? Do you have any future plans?
A: The great thrill is in looking forward to the event and seeing it come to life on the stage. Another pantomime for another year? That depends on the critics!!

PHOTOS

Newspaper clipping

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