Pat Cotton returns to direct Colaton Raleigh Players after nine year break

REHEARSALS for Colaton Raleigh’s pantomime, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, are in full swing before its Valentine’s Day opening on February 14.

For the first time in nine years, Colaton Raleigh Players’ show will be directed by Pat Cotton, wife of renowned artist Alan Cotton, of Brockhill Studio.

Pat left the Players’ committee to study for an MA at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. Now she is back and “thoroughly enjoying directing again”.

She said: “We are having great fun trying to work out how to get 40 man-size oil jars, hiding the 40 thieves, on to our tiny stage.

“I have invented an ingenious way of solving the problem and all will be revealed.”

The pantomime opens on Tuesday, February 14 and runs until Saturday, February 19, with a matinee on the Saturday.

Ali Baba will be ably assisted by his slave girl Marjana, former belly dancer Fatima Fandango and her simple-minded helper Mustafa Screwloose.

Tickets are selling well, but there are some seats still available for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances.

Tickets are �6, with children half price for Tuesday night and Saturday matinee performances. Call (01395) 568150 to book.