UAE | General
Pantomime with a twist
The classic tale says that Dick Whittington leaves for London, where, with the help of his cat, he becomes a mayor. The Dubai Drama Group (DDG) has made this into a pantomime and changed a few things around.
- By Sima Ved
- Published: 00:00 December 8, 2001
Dubai Drama Group gives classic fairy tale local flavour
The classic tale says that Dick Whittington leaves for London, where, with the help of his cat, he becomes a mayor. The Dubai Drama Group (DDG) has made this into a pantomime and changed a few things around. In their version of Dick Whittington, Dick goes on a cruise, gets shipwrecked and lands up in Satwa, where he has his wedding.
"Most of the pantomimes that the DDG does are adaptations of classic fairy tales. They are all given local jokes, songs, names of places and twists and turns that bring out Dubai," says Dave Arnold, director of the play.
This particular pantomime really brings out Dubai in various ways. Jumeirah Jane is the name of the dame (who is played by a man); Cactus Cantina is one of their favourite spots. To top it off, there is a Sultana of Satwa, as well as the climax song - Back in Dubai.
Besides these local elements, the play itself is humorous, with a lot of audience interaction. Apart from the colourful, bizarre costumes and settings, there will be plenty of dancing and singing (even Jingle Bells).
But the actors do not intend to hog all the fun, so they will be pulling up kids from the audience for the sing-along. In fact, the director is still looking for rats for the Satwa Palace. So, if you have energetic kids or theatrical ones, contact Arnold on panto@dubaidramagroup.org to make them a part of some of the shows. As he says, "The more rats there are, the squeakier it will be."
The play runs from December 20 to 22 and again from December 27 to 29 at the Dubai Country Club. There are matinee and evening shows on Thursdays and Fridays, and an evening show on Saturdays. Tickets are priced at Dhs 60 for adults and Dhs 30 for children.
For further information, call the Dubai Country Club or visit the website on www.dubaidramagroup.org
Gulf News is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Smart e-Gate system launched
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
