Bridport Pantomime Players are back and will soon be performing Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves - its first live performance since 2020.

Directed by Amy Carlile, the players will be bringing the tale from the Arabian Nights to the Electric Palace in February.

Ali Baba, the principal boy and hero of the story, is played by Cameron Love, making his debut with the players, who adores Princess Haya. He wants to be rich enough so that he can marry the princess and have his happy ever after.

Justine Gawen plays the part of Princess Haya, daughter of the royal Sultan and is the principal girl who is in love with Ali.

Teresa Grinter plays the Sultan, the royal ruler of Baghdad and does all he can to keep his wife, the Sultana, happy.

The even more royal Sultana, played by Amy Carlile, is somewhat 'high-maintenance' but only really wants her daughter, Princess Haya, to be happy.

Ali's mum is Dame Barbara Baba, played with gusto by Greg Horton and was once the beautiful belly dancing baker of Baghdad.

Playing the part of Ali's cheeky brother, Cassim, is Amy Day who is forever on the look out for a money making scheme.

As in all good pantomimes, there has to be a 'baddie' so enter the Vizier, nastily portrayed in a double role by Ross Hughes, plotting and scheming with the thieves.

Sadly, costumes were in short supply for as many as 40 thieves and there would not have been enough stage space for that number, so auditions took place together with both stage and screen teste and the thieves were whittled down to just two - 39 and 40, played by Jess Goldstone and Hatti Amos.

Helping to thwart the Vizier and his evil plans is Morgiana Alice Tuck, devoted handmaiden to the princess, and to keep an eye on all that is good is the Spirit of the Sands, played by Kwant Gardener, a newcomer to pantomime.

But none of the adventures would be possible without the help of Colin the Camel who keeps everyone and everything in order. Stepping out in the front half is Olivia Grinter but the rear half is a bit shy about being known as the back end of a camel.

Amy Carlile said: "I am so delighted to say that we are back. After the trials and tribulations of these past two years, we are so excited to be back doing what we love.

"Rehearsals have been a challenge but with careful scheduling and covid measures in place, we have put our show together and can't wait to present Ali Baba at the Electric Palace.

"With stunning new costumes, new members and a real first - a male principal boy - we are really hopeful that our audience will agree that this is our best yet."

Tickets are available at electricpalace.org.uk

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