Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves come to Blair!
Working with animals and children on stage is an old theatrical adage that usually means trouble .
And Blairgowrie Players’ panto this year, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, includes not just a small animal but a massive camel AND twenty children.
Those behind the production are confident everything “will be alright on the night” though as they get ready for the opening night of their week-long run in Blairgowrie Town Hall early next month.
Graham Reid, president of the Blairgowrie Players, said: “What the public sees on stage is the result of three months of hard work.
“Once the script is more or less in place, the design of the sets follows, then the painting and construction.
“At the same time the myriad of props that go into a panto have to be made, begged or borrowed.
“Over the years, the Players have built up an extensive range of props that can be adapted for most purposes.
“Meantime, the wardrobe ladies have to make or source colourful costumes for the eighteen principals, some of whom need several changes, as well as twenty costumes for merchants, thieves and policemen.
“Into the mix add several comedy routines, fifteen songs and half a dozen dances, stir it all up, rehearse and rehearse and hopefully end up with roughly two hours of entertainment.”
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves was originally a folk tale and the story is included in many versions of the 1001 Nights. It is one of the most familiar of the Arabian Night tales.
It tells the story of two brothers, Ali Baba and Cassim, greed and a great deal of treasure.
The original story is full of gore and violence, but the Players’ panto version sticks to the main part of the story without the blood and gore and adds a humourous, lighthearted approach with a happy ending.
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves will be presented in Blairgowrie Town Hall on Wednesday 6, Thursday 7 and Friday , 8 December at 7pm and on Saturday , 9 and Sunday 10, December at 2pm.
Tickets cost £8 or £6 for concessions, which are only available for the stalls, and are available now from The Card Gallery on Allan Street in Blairgowrie, telephone 01250 876444, or online at blairplayers@btinternet.com.
Tickets will also be available at the door.
What the public sees on stage is the result of three months of hard work