Becky Cocker

THE Ilkley Upstagers pantomime Sinbad the Sailor' has been written by Upstagers doyen Gill Jackson.

It runs from Friday, January 25, to February 2.

The two pantomime regulars Paul Nowland and Ian White will play their now customary roles. Paul as Dame Semolina Sinbad and Ian as her side-kick Senor Don Qui.

Both actors are renowned for their funny, slap-stick routines and superb comic-timing!

The story follows (loosely) the Arabian Nights tale of the adventures of Sinbad who leaves the city of Baghdad to travel the dangerous high seas to rescue the beautiful Princess Scharazade from the clutches of the evil sorcerer, Sinistro.

Andrew Hewitt, still performing with Upstagers after joining 21 years ago, plays the part of the baddie, Sinistro, and welcomes lots of hissing and booing from the audiences.

Another regular at Upstagers' pantos is Mark Allan, known by many Dramavox children as their drama teacher. Mark is the lovable rogue Rum Baba. Watch out for his surprising little' helper Do-nut, played alternately by Caleb Flood and Fergal Mullan-Wilkinson, both Dramavox pupils.

Naomi Murray, who took the part of Fantine last year in Upstagers' much acclaimed production of Les Miserables' , and was the first ever winner of The Wharfedale Festival Pop Star competition, sings again in the part of the Princess, ably joined as Sinbad by Becky Cocker.

Over 50 children are involved in this year's panto, with the standard of dancing being exceptionally high and the choreography by Paul Nowland quite amazing.

Hundreds of stunning costumes, with many thousands of sequins, (all sewn by hand) have been made by Jane Norris and her team of sewing ladies and the fabulous sets offer lots of surprises.

Sadly the Dodo, is unable to make an appearance this year, due to other panto engagements but they are hoping to welcome another animal visitor if a flight from the frozen north can be arranged!

So get tickets now and enjoy a night with Upstagers at their annual pantomime treat.

Evening performances are at 7.15pm, matinees on the Saturdays at 2.15pm and Sunday shows are 1pm and 5pm.

Tickets are on sale now on 01943 607944 or you can book in person at the Upstagers Box Office (019436047920) in the Barn, daily, from Saturday, January 19, from 11am to 1pm.

9:20am Thursday 10th January 2008

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