Sinbad The Sailor – Oakworth Methodist Church

IT’S TUESDAY night at the end of February and I’m sat down ready to watch Sinbad the Sailor, Oakworth Methodists’ 31st Panto.

Three years ago l was introduced to this group and I've never looked back.

From the very beginning you are drawn into the fun of panto land. The sets, the costumes, the lights all add to this fun packed evening; and that's before you mention the singing and dancing.

David Howarth, Judith Chapman and team must work endlessly to get everything in place, and deserve first mention for all the hard work that has obviously gone on backstage.

The cast comprises of children in all of the parts, with each getting a line or a part of a song to sing, which must be a tricky juggling act with the number of children involved. These 'chorus' kids all had to sing, dance and act and were a credit to the panto.

The main characters seemed to enjoy all they had to do and carried the script forward with great fun, allowing the audience to laugh along with them and boo and hiss when needed.

Charlotte Harris and Emily Shepherd made a lovely principal boy and girl, whilst Harry Rundle and Hannah Wedge made sure we had plenty of laughs as the Dame and sidekick, helped ably by Natasha Armstrong and Hadley Scott as two hapless sailors and the mischievous Monty, played by Gabriella Hands.

Evil aplenty was to be found with Lucy Chester, Millie Mann and Scarlett Hale (Vazar, Barracuda and Black Hook the pirate): they all got boos and jeers from the noisy audience.

Emma Howard was lovely as the Genie of the Ring and with the Magic Pixies sang one of my favourite songs in the panto.

All-in-all another brilliant production. Well done to everyone involved, it was a pleasure to come and watch, and especially to Nathan Armstrong (the Captain of the Seagull) who had me and my friends in stitches all night.

Philip Smith