BELSTONE Players prove yet again that panto is for children of all ages, especially when it includes performers of all ages.

The more than competent cast of Sinbad The Failure set out, courtesy of Edwina Hill?s carefully crafted script, to assist the eponymous hero along a journey from Old Bagsmee via Ki Row and Dhool Alley to Belstone Harbour and Skaigh Woods in a quest to find the Lost Gold of Old Dartymoor.

Their audience found the real treasure as, along the route, they enjoyed the variety of characters drawn out of the talented company by director Caroline Jones.

Golden threads of comedy sew together this successful production as Sinbad, portrayed with necessary uncertainty by Rachel Francis, hoping to marry the Sultan?s daughter, Amethyst, delicately played by Jane Herbert, sets off on his quest.

Thelma Reddington and Peter Radlett as Ti Foo and Pee Gee prompt copious laughter through their colourful characters while Robin Hill similarly excels, but by providing villainy with verve. His calculatingly delivered, hiss and boo-evoking, words are excellently counterbalanced by his companion in crime, Kreepi, otherwise Tiffany Macedo-Dine who, with often dead-pan performance dominated scenes with comedic brilliance.

Comedy comes personally packed also by Simon Herbert, the Dame, Rob Reddington as Ali Khat and some priceless pirates played by Julian Pagella, Mark Blacksell and Michael Thayer, who also revs up again in his portrayal of the Beast of Dartmoor.

Memorable performances are not limited to adults in this company where young talent is encouraged. Madeline Weaver, Isobel Weaver, Sarah Graham, Harriet Graham, Isaac Francis, Angus Francis, Sam Cooper, Emily Lawson and Kasia Jewel took every opportunity to confirm their own abilities and delighted the audience; Isaac proving himself quite capable of deliciously upstaging the pirates and prompting other performers with his sword where necessary.

This is a panto with superb sets constructed by Ross Gammie, speciality scenes, colourful costumes and a fine cast well supported by an excellent backstage crew, musicians directed by Marion Walpole and front of house staff.

It all adds up to excellent entertainment and with performances still to come this Friday and Saturday, if any tickets do remain available a swift call to 01837 840498 might ensure an extra happy start to the year.

Ursula Radford

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