Sold out shows for first ever village panto: PICTURES

The newly formed Ruan Revellers performed Aladdin to a packed out village hall last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with an extra matinee on Saturday afternoon.

Despite the four showings, all the tickets were sold out two weeks before curtain up, with many more disappointed people turned away.

Describing it as a “proper village panto,” publicity officer Richard Palmer said: “The feeling amongst the whole company was that they wanted to bring something special to the village to help take minds off the terrible weather and personal sufferings. The huge response from all four audiences proved that this was achieved.”

Jacquie Griffiths, wife of Mullion's vicar Father Shane Griffiths, delighted audiences with her health and safety introduction, informing audiences of the exits, in a Chinese accent and in the style of an air hostess - her former profession.

Panto baddy Abanazar, played Mark Outten, had equal success in his role, with two small children in the front row kicking him and saying “I hate you” as he came off stage.

Stepping out on stage was a particularly special for Margaret Greene, a principal singer in the chorus, who never thought she would sing on stage again after suffering a major stroke a decade ago.

The show was not without its minor mishaps, with two cast members taking the showbusiness adage to “break a leg” almost too literally by falling all off the stage on separate occasions - although nothing was broken.

Jonathan Fletcher, as Widow Twanky, caused great hilarity - not to mention a few pained squints from the women of the audience - when he trapped his dame's bosoms in the washing mangle.

Proving that the show really must go on, some of the cast faced battles against the weather to even make it to the stage.

They included fisherman Jonathan Fletcher, who spent last Wednesday and Thursday fighting to save his boat, which was harboured in Porthleven, from sinking under the huge waves that rolled in, before helping others to rescue theirs. Despite this he then carried on back home to Ruan Minor to take part in a four-hour panto dress rehearsal.

Others who fought against the weather and won were Paul and Sheila Collins, who were in charge of set and props. Their van, containing all the props, was hit by an electricity cable during the storms but they still made it in to create the set and scenery in the hall.

The whole production was produced by Angela Thomas, with musical director Robin Bates and choreographer Tanya Strike.

“Angela Thomas brought all her extensive knowledge and contacts from many big productions in Cornwall to produce, in our little village, a truly memorable event, which all involved were proud to be part of,” added Mr Palmer.