The Panto is Alive Alive Oh

on 01 February 2025.

Careline Theatre proved that the classic British pantomime is very much alive and still as popular as ever here in the Marina Alta on the Costa Blanca.

This year, Careline's annual Panto production was "Sinbad The Panto". Staged at Benidoleig Auditorium, it gave us a wonderful tale of adventure encompassing baddies, goodies, love and quite possibly the funniest Dame we have ever witnessed in Fanny Haddock (played by Paul Young in his debut as the Dame).
The adventure started in Sleepy Musselburgh, slightly more north than the original Arabian nights tales, we started off with Sinbad (Sabryna Norman, who just goes from strength to strength as a principal) and Bonnie the Cat (Isla Mestre Scott, whom at 9 years of age and playing a principal is a testament to her incredible ability), a cat with nine lives and used all of them. Along the way we met Jeanie Meanie (Victoria Connolly a Careline Stalwart) or was that Billy Connolly?
Rosie (Roisin Stastra O'Sheehan, yet another member of Careline's dance & drama academy who is certainly making a name for herself as a future superstar) who had to stowaway in the pursuit of her love of Sinbad ably assisted by Nursie (Dee Wilkes - in her first principal role). Fortunately Nursie had an endless supply of magic which quickly put an end to all danger and mishaps and there were plenty to keep us all entertained.
Pirates a plenty with Paul Winter as the Pirate Captain threatening to make everyone to "Walk the plankieee" and strange inhabitants of a wild remote island giving us danger with the evil Island Witch, (Tricia Aylward), along with much boooing and hissing, but you could rely on a Rock Bird or in this case a Roc Bird (Kelly B Wright, one of the areas most talented singer and actors) to come to the rescue urged on by her adorable little Roc Chic, (Sofia Vaines) treating us to an incredible display of colour, whilst employing the assistance of her fellow birds to transport everyone safely back to dry land.
Along the way we laughed, cried, booed and we cheered, then we sang and even discovered the actions to "The Drunken Sailor" thanks to Fanny and Bonnie.
Oh what an amazing show you delivered Careline Theatre, we thank you for keeping Pantomime alive and can't wait for next year.
Special thank you to Directors Candida Wright and Suzanna Mace and all the cast and crew who contributed to a memorable show.
If you'd like to know more about forthcoming productions, help out back stage or even try your hand at acting, then please visit our website www.carelintheatre.net, or find us on Facebook 'Careline Theatre Alcalali' and 'Careline Performing Arts and Dance Academy'.