Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, The Instant Panto Company, Empire Hall, Totton
Sultan Peppah promises his daughter Princess Raisin's hand in marriage to our hero Ali Baba, if Ali can successfully retrieve the missing precious emerald.
Director Steven Moulster's revised version has twists and turns typical of a local panto, with Ali eventually gaining the princess's hand, although it is the Baba family maid who saves the day.
Phil Cheesman as the MC was outstanding - he worked hard all evening and enjoyed repartee with the audience.
Add some engaging performances from the actors playing Sultan Peppah, Mama Baba, Robba Dobba and a hairy-chested robber and the result was hugely entertaining.
It was also delightful to see local favourite Simon Pontin in an all too brief cameo appearance.
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