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Posted in At home Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Michael, Vit, Jay, Barrie and I went to to see Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves last night, by ADC/Footlights. It was a long panto: three hours, and would have been better with 30 mins lopped off (from the second half). It was ambitious—flying camels, forty thieves (yes really, well almost), lots of smoke and, a cross-dressing genie called Jeanie (well-played by Ben Kavanagh), and a fabulous baddie (James Walker). Vit got a hard stare from the baddie because of his loud heckling, which was funnny. The start of the second half, with chorus rap, and odd interlinked sketches, didn’t really work, but the chorus all had some lines, which was good. Really enjoyed Josh Higgot, who was in the chorus, and appeared as Gandalf, and Mustafa the Genie. He’s got a great natural comic talent and timing.

From the ADC web site:

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In their 126th year, the Footlights team up once again with the ADC for a return to traditional pantomime…ish. Join Ali and his street-wise chum Cassim, as they struggle against the nasty Chief Nalu (boooooooo!!!) in a bid to free the beautiful (and remarkably physically and emotionally strong) Morgiana. Also, meet Jeanie, the genie, as he tries his best to be a Genie, Jamiel and Amara, the loveable misfits, and no less than forty whole thieves!!! And some real Camels…ish.

The ADC/Footlights Pantomime has been playing to sell-out crowds for loads of years, and with a traditional script by Daran Johnson, Abi Tedder, and Liam Williams, an original score by Richard Bates, and direction from Matt Bulmer, this year will be no different. Although it will be a little different. The script will be different. Better still, perhaps? Judge for yourselves. And as usual this year boasts performances from Cambridge’s bestest comic actors all ready to Panto your mime.



  • Finishing the last of the 2008 Menghai "Five Coloured Peacock" Bu Lang raw Puh Er. Really enjoyed it. #
  • Good to relax with Jools Holland and a glass of powerful shiraz (Kangarilla Road). Waiting for Annie Lennox! #
  • Enjoyed an impressive meal last night at the new Chemistry Centre in Burlington House. Successful whole-table talk http://flic.kr/p/7gPecj #
  • @Willz so you talked—traditional media! :-) in reply to Willz #
  • At the Birmingham Metropole Hitel, getting ready for the RSC General Assembly. 800 rooms and very busy. http://schmap.me/b25rz3 #
  • Michael was picking champagne foil out of his shoe before he headed off to work. Getting ready for another day in the wine trade! #
  • @dml29 well that's sorted for next years party in reply to dml29 #
  • Mesmerised by Maddy Prior singing the Song of Hiawatha in Part 2 of Mike Oldfield's Incantations—so beautiful and hypnotic. #

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Posted in At home What’s Wrong With Angry?

Great night out at the ADC to see the late night production of What’s Wrong With Angry?  by Patrick Wilde,

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produced by the CU Amateur Dramatic Club. The audience was buzzing and the main cast were fantastic! Top of the bill were James Frecknell (Steven) and Lowri Amies (Linda)—both carried of their parts with ease and were perfect for the roles. I enjoyed Adam Lawrence as Hutton, the schoolteacher. He was interesting in the role, and really grabbed my attention.

For the first time in all the plays I’ve seen at the ADC there was an encore for the cast. Well deserved for giving such as a passionate production. The late night slot can be hit and miss—this was wonderful.

From the ADC web site:

“Of course I…want to, but I don’t want to want to.”

It is 1992, Section 28 prohibits the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools, and the age of consent for gay men is twenty-one. Sixteen year old Steven Carter, who is just fine with being “dodgy”, falls in love with John Westhead, head boy and popular sporty type. His love is returned until societal expectations force John back into “the closet”. As Steven comes up against pressure at home and at school, Hutton, his teacher, longs to give him some support, but finds that the law is not on his side.

Patrick Wilde wrote the play to challenge the assertion that it’s “easier to be gay now”. The issues that the play wrestles with are as applicable to 2009 as they are to the recent past and it remains a poignant, beautiful and honest tale.”



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