Looking back at much-loved Allendale pantos over the years

The group was founded in 1983 and every year they come up with a characteristically local take on the classic fairy tales, which entertain appreciative audiences from all over the North East.

Last year, the Allen Valley Drama Group Allen celebrated its 40th anniversary pantomime of Aladdin, which was hailed as a success.

Allen Valley Drama Group's 40th anniversary pantomime of Aladdin hailed as a success (Image: Allen Valley Drama Group)

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.”

Molly Baynes lifting Max Baynes into the air at the 40th anniversary pantomime (Image: Allen Valley Drama Group)

In 2022, the group created the first-ever pantomime football event in memory of Nigel Baynes. 

The Great Allendale Pantomime Footie-fest Extravaganza, raising money for The Great North Air Ambulance, will see several teams take to the pitch on Sunday, September 4 in full fancy dress to play 5-a-side games with a twist

Nigel Baynes acting in Allen Valley Drama Group (Image: Allen Valley Drama Group)

In 2018, the Beast from the East forced a reluctant postponement but the Allendale pantomime returned with an action-packed performance of Cinderella.

President Trump, portrayed by Max Baynes (right), leads a dance on stage during Cinderella. (Image: Allen Valley Drama Group)

It was the Allen Valley Drama Group’s first outing in two years, with no pantomime in 2017 due to the unavailability of key cast and crew members.

The Allendale pantomime cast for Cinderella in 2018 (Image: Allen Valley Drama Group)

In 2016, Tickets were in high demand for the latest offering by the Allen Valley Drama Group, which performed Mother Goose for the first time in the group’s 33-year history.

Allen Valley Drama Group performing Mother Goose in 2016 (Image: Allen Valley Drama Group)

And the roof was lifted at Allendale Village Hall, with the 16-strong cast encouraging audience participation throughout what was essentially a comedy show, immaculately written and directed by Lee Falkingham.

Allendale Panto Dress Rehersal fro Mother Goose. Pictured from the left, Jonny Burns, Peter Carter, Denis Graham and Alex McDermott in 2016 (Image: Allen Valley Drama)