THE first pantomime staged by the newly-formed Watchet Thespian Fellowship played to packed houses at Watchet Community Centre last weekend – and the group is already planning its next production.

Many of the cast of Aladdin, written by Chris Crockford and directed by Chris and Fiona Payne, had never been on stage before.

“Everyone involved had a brilliant time putting the show on and we are grateful for all the support and amazing comments we’ve had from people who came to see it,” Chris said.

Aladdin was played by Tabitha Payne, Widow Twankee by Colin Tennant and Wishee Washee by Jayson Pearson.

The cast also included the Sultana of Kazibar (Sam Williams), Abanezer (Samuel Rendell), the genie of the lamp (Deanna Payne) and Princess Juniper (Emily Richards). 

With help from a host of princes, a genie of the ring (Drew Crockford) and a couple of comic policemen (Chris Crockford and Geoff Mold), there was the traditional happy ending.

The music was directed by Graham Kennedy and a chorus of members of Watchet Community Choir featured many songs from ‘9 to 5’ to ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ and the comic ‘The Bold Gendarmes’.

Chris Crockford said: “We’re already planning our next production, so watch this space.”