Nantwich Young Farmers finish preparations for panto Aladdin

Jan 6 2010 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

“AT THE moment they’re about half a beat behind but they enjoy it and it’s all in a good cause. They don’t mind making a bit of an idiot of themselves.”

That’s the verdict from Nantwich Young Farmers’ chairlady Emma Boffey as the final preparations are put together for their pantomime Aladdin.

Now in its 40th year, nothing seems to change as about a dozen burly farmers get to grips with singing and dancing in front of a live audience for a week.

“Rehearsals are going well, we’re nearly there, and now we’re onto the dress rehearsals,” said Emma, who takes on the role of villain Abanazar.

“The singing and dancing isn’t exactly coming naturally. Some of the lads find it a challenge especially with the dancing.

“Also, some boys like singing, while other don’t but the girls do join in to help them out a bit. This year we have got two confident lads in particular so we’ve just left them to get on with it.”

Emma says the past month has been intense, putting together a two-hour show with just more than a month’s rehearsal time.

And with a cast and production crew of about 40, things can get a bit hectic.

She said: “We only really started rehearsing at the beginning of December because Nantwich Young Farmers is usually involved with a lot of Cheshire Young Farmers competitions in November.

“It’s a bit rushed but it comes together in the end. There won’t be any major disasters, I’m sure it will be fine.”

Leading the way in the title role of Aladdin is Ryan Booth, more than ably supported by Stuart Simms as Widow Twanky and Beth Ford as Princess Jasmin.

Back at the helm is producer Matthew Mellor, while Sarah Stapleton is charged with the unenviable task of choreographing the show.

It is a combination that Emma is confident will produce similar results to last year’s production, which raked in about £4,000 for charity.

“It was a very good turnout last year. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday were sold out so fingers crossed the same will happen this year,” she said.

“We’ve already nearly sold out for the Friday and Saturday so people need to get in quickly. It’s not just the farming community that come, everyone is welcome.”

As well as the mayhem of the show, there will also be a raffle each night and an auction of promises on the Friday and Saturday nights.

Proceeds raised from the week- long production will be split between Hope House Children’s Hospice and Leukaemia Research, in memory of former Nantwich Young Farmers Will Boffey, 22, and Jane Windsor, 40, who both died in 2007.

The show runs from Wednesday to Saturday, January 13-16, at Acton Village Hall. Shows start at 7.30pm each night, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. For tickets, priced £5, telephone Joyce Percival on 01270 624158.