Special feature:
Award-winning am-dram group prepare for festive opener

A MUM of two, a surgeon, a dentist and a graphic designer are among the cast for one of the area's first pantos of the year.

They will star in the Swinford Operatic and Dramatic Society (S.O.D.S) adaptation of Aladdin at the village hall next Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (December 4 to 7).

It is the latest festive offering from the award-winning band of people of all ages and backgrounds who have been entertaining audiences since 1977.

Previous shows in the group's 36 years together have included Jack and the Beanstalk, Beauty And The Beast, Rumplestiltskin.com, Peter Pan and last year Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

Taking on the title role of Aladdin this year is mum of two Nicky Taylor.

It is the second year she has been treading the boards with the group.

"Considering I was reluctant at first I am now hooked and absolutely love it," she told us.

"I can't believe how much hard work, involvement and commitment there is from everyone in the local community including local businesses who have sponsored and supported us. I can't wait to play Aladdin."

Simon Ragsdale - who by day is Broughton Astley's dentist - has starred in several productions by the group since joining almost 15 years ago.

This year he will take to the stage as Aladdin's brother Wishee Washee in what will be a real family affair.

"It's great doing our annual panto again. I have been involved since 1999 and love it, especially as I now have both my daughters Ella and Lettie on stage next to me. I must polish up on my Mandarin for this role though," he told us.

The am-dram group usually stage one other show a year as well as others for special occasions such as last year's Queen's Jubilee.

But it is for their festive offerings that they are best known; and many of which have attracted the attentions of award judges.

The 2010 production Peter Pen won the Best Panto Award from The Pantomime Alliance of Leicestershire while in the same year Simon was named Best Dame, his wife Cath won Best Set Design and John Potts picked up Best Lighting. The group also won Best Audience Participation while Sheryl Dunn was nominated in the Best Director category.

Last year surgeon-by-day Guy Finch won Best Supporting Male Actor for Idle Jack in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. Next week he will swap the operating theatre for the performance theatre to play Abanazar.

There were also nominations for Cath's set and the group's young actors. And back in 2011 Simon was nominated for Best Comedy Lead with honours also coming from the Alliance in 2006 and 2008.

The cast have been in rehearsals for Aladdin since the end October, but it is not only when the curtain goes up that they do the business.

"We build the stage, set, scenery and props; in short, the whole caboodle and it's great wholesome, tiring laughter all the way," said Guy.

"The panto is a fabulous opportunity to teach the local kids that anything worthwhile takes a lot of hard work but can also be great fun.

Graphic designer Gary Van Sluiters, who will step out of the studio and into a dress as Widow Twankey, added: "It's been a long hard slog, but we have battled well and I can't wait for show night and for the magic to begin."

Other cast members include Amy Griffiths as Princess Jasmine, Harriet Moule as Ping, Lily Finch as Pong while Richard Wheatley and Rupert Moule share the role of the Genie.

Performances start at 7.30pm nightly with a 3pm matinée on the Saturday.

Tickets are on sale priced at £4 and £6 by calling or .

Stage manager Ivan Moule, Chris Hinton who plays the Emperor, Gary Van Sluiters who stars as Widow Twankey, Nicky Taylor who plays Aladdin, Simon Ragsdale portrayed by Wishee Washee and Chris Favill,being directed by Peter Griffiths (s)

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