A drama group 'spell-binds' audiences with their special anniversary pantomime.

Allen Valley Drama Group returned to the Allendale Village Hall on March 2 - 4 with their 40th anniversary pantomime, Aladdin.

The show was written and directed by Laura Charlton, produced by Margaret Stonehouse, and choreographed from Galiya Farley.

Not long after the tickets were released, did the cast know that they would be quickly sold out for all four performances.

But this only made them more eager to put on a good show to keep up their reputation.

News of the show travelled for miles as audience members travelled from as far afield as Alston and Newcastle.

Writer and director Laura Charlton said: “Dedicated to the late Nigel Baynes, founding member of the group and key cast member for 39 years, this year saw his son Max Baynes and daughter Molly Baynes take the lead roles of Aladdin and Abu. The talent from the Baynes family over the years has been adored by local audiences, and this year was no different as Max and Molly blew audiences away – with many kids leaving chattering about how much they loved Aladdin and the monkey.”

“Another highlight were the slop scenes, starring Jonny Burns as the well-loved pantomime dame, Kael Horton as his hapless son, as well as Aladdin and Abu. They had the audience belly-laughing from start to finish – and leaving covered in a sprinkling of water, confetti, and with faces that hurt from laughter.”

The raffle this year raised a phenomenal £700 in memory of the late Cecil Pringle, father of the group’s lighting specialist and videographer, in aid of Motor Neuron Disease Association.

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This year also saw the inaugural children’s fancy dress competition for those in the audience.

Laura Charlton said, “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for an even bigger and better show, and look forward to a summer of charitable events and performances in the meantime.”

Next year’s pantomime will be held in February/March 2024. The group can be found on Facebook @AllenValleyDramaGroup.