Lyme Regis panto comes to an end after succesful run

Lyme Regis Pantomime Society has just completed their latest production, Aladdin, which played to packed family audiences at the Woodmead Hall.

There were six performances of the society’s 41st production during the week, using a script by Tom Whalley, with records broken for the number of tickets sold.

Aladdin(Kelly Apps) is arrested on the orders of The Emperor (Mike Shepherd-Royal) by Sgt. Ping(AJ Hutchings) and PC Pong(Sarah Thomas). (Image: Rob James)

The villain, Abanazer, played by Jon Doody, set the dramatic tone while among the chief mirth-makers were Widow Twankey, played by Dan Edwards, Wishee Washee, played by Amanda Rattenbury-Davies and AJ Hutchings as Sergeant Ping and Sarah Thomas as PC Pong.

The title role was covered by Kelly Apps, returning to the society after a break, while there were also leading parts for Rebecca Shepherd-Royal as Princess Jasmine, Mike Shepherd-Royal as The Sultan of Shangri-La, Marie Bower as The Spirit of the Ring and Harvey Causley took on the role of The Genie of the Lamp.

Aladdin(Kelly Apps) is defiant when confronted by Abanazer (Jon Doody). (Image: Rob James)

The main characters were backed up by a hard-working chorus, the backstage crew and a large number of production team assistants.

Particular emphasis was placed this time on a range of vibrant costumes and the special effects included a flying carpet that actually took to the air.

Happy ever after. From the left, Aladdin (Kelly Apps), The Spirit of the Ring(Marie Bower) and Princess Jasmine (Rebecca Shepherd-Royal). (Image: Rob James)

Producer/director Sarah Causley said: “When choosing a script, it is important to me that it is fast-paced, packed with comedy and slapstick and offers opportunities for audience participation. This one certainly ticked all those boxes.

“We also had the largest chorus we’ve ever had this year. We are super proud of each and every one of them and audiences loved their contribution to the show.”

She added that the society had to source, purchase and put together almost every costume seen on stage and that this could not have been done without monies raised from successful fundraising events, generous donations and grants.

Lyme Regis Pantomime Society was founded more than 35 years ago, staging a traditional panto every year during February half term.

The society will back in operation again later this year to prepare for Beauty and the Beast which is the chosen production for February 2027.