My Account
Audience participation is a must in the new Warkworth Theatre performance of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
A veritable delight of slapstick, music, magic, and ‘He’s behind you!’, it’s a British-inspired pantomime that’s festive fun for all the family.
The play is directed by Sally Knight, Pauline Hirst and music director Val Couling.
“We are all experienced in pantomime direction,” Knight says. “And it’s the first time this century that Warkworth has seen a pantomime.”
Traditionally a gruesome, bloodthirsty tale, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves has been rewritten with families in mind to deliver heartwarming and raucous entertainment for everyone.
Ali Baba falls for the Sultan’s daughter and sets out to impress her by retrieving valuables stolen by a band of thieves. Despite being assisted by a trusty crew that includes a genie, a camel with integral SatNav, and a resourceful servant girl, Salma, as well as his mother, what Ali Baba really needs is help from the all-seeing audience.
“Over 20 cast members are each developing their singing voices and comedic timing to create an amazing family show,” Knight says. “So beware of the camel, boo the thieves and bring a hanky for the soppy love song when it all ends happily ever after.”
November 25 to December 3, 7pm shows with two matinees at 2pm. Warkworth Town Hall. Tickets available online from www.trybooking.com or from the Mahurangi Matters office.
