Playing the part of “Widow Tranky”, principal comedy character of “Aladdin and his wonderful lamp”, the pantomime to be staged by the dramatic section of the Bata Sports and Social Club in the new year, is Jimmy Gilligan, who has taken part in Bata dramatic shows practically ever since he arrived at East Tilbury three and a half years ago.
Jimmy, who works in Dept 471, has had several years’ experience of the amateur stage, both as a producer and player, and can undertake practically any job, from top-of-the-bill artist to programme boy. He appeared in many amateur theatrical parts while in the Army.
While with British Bata, he has appeared in three Christmas shows at Bata Cinema; last year, he produced “Cinderella”, and played the part of “Buttons”. In June he produced “Coronation Cavalcade”, which included the successful and well-spoken one-act play, “Her Majesty passes by”.