The part of Aladdin in the pantomime to be staged by the dramatic section of the Bata Sports and Social Club, in January, will be taken by a girl who is still at school - 15 year old Laura Lewis, daughter of Tommy Lewis, projectionist at the Bata Cinema.
“Aladdin” is a how in which the name part is not the principal character, but it provides ample opportunity for spoken dialogue and singing. In both these attributes, Laura is competent, having been a foremost member of the Bata Keep Fit team in “Coronation Cavalcade”, and the two last Bata Christmas Shows - “Xmas Pie” and “Christmas Crackers”.
Laura has an attractive stage presence, and, what is most important for the part, she is young. Aladdin, it will be recalled, was a lazy, good-for-nothing youth, and although these qualities need not be over-emphasised in the pantomime, the player taking the part should have the spirit and outlook of a youth, and talk well, as well as sing sweetly. Laura is excellent material where these requirements are concerned.