January 27, 2025
Council panto will help dementia groups
Council staff are taking to the stage to open a cave full of fundraising for local dementia charities.
A 15-strong cast from North Norfolk District Council are set to swap their public service jobs for panto roles in a fun production of Ali Baba and the Four Tea Thieves. It is the revival of an “am dram” tradition at the authority stretching back more than 20 years, explained the show’s writer and dame Steve Hems, whose day job as director for communities ranges from housing to leisure. “The earliest one was a single Cinderella show in Northrepps village hall which was all in jokes about the council, mainly for the amusement of staff, and I was an ugly sister. “A couple of years later I was dame when we did a two show Jack and the Beanstalk at Sheringham High School. “Then we switched to the Little Theatre where we have done Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Robin Hood and the Notif of Sheringham. “There’s always been gaps between shows because it is a big commitment but people kept asking when the next panto is, so we have revived it.” Ali Baba is loosely based on the Arabian Nights tale of hidden treasures, adventure and romance
with plenty of comedy, action, audience participation, local gags and jokes about the council. Steve added: “If people think the council doesn’t have a sense of humour they just need to look at our record of doing pantos for more than two decades, and the positive feedback we get from them.” He will play Dame Barbara Baba, with Lucy Cubitt (early help and prevention officer) as Ali, Alun Lane (corporate health and safety) as Mustafa Leikh, Aimee Rogers (finance) as Princess Selina. Planning officers Colin Reuben and Fran Watson provide the two halves of the camel. And it is a special show for corporate PA team member Sandra King, a regular cast member, who will play Arti, one of the tea thieves, as her swan song on the weekend she retires from the council. Cast members have been rehearsing in the council committee room, when the stage space has been marked on the floor, since October. Steve added: “The panto is terrific at bringing staff together and creating friendships through the shared experience. “ The show runs Friday January 31 to Saturday February 1 (7.30, plus a 2.30 Saturday matinee.
Proceeds will be split among four dementia groups being supported by council chairman Dr Victoria Holliday during her year of office: So…at Southrepps, Memory Lane Cafe at Mundesley, Wensum Dementia Group at Fakenham, and Making Connections at Hoveton and Wroxham Production costs are being covered by sponsorship from local businesses Larking and Gowen, Jarrolds, the Morley Club, Blyth and Wright, DC Solar Installations and Malcolm Abbs Building Contractors. Tickets are £10 at here or call 01263 822347.