THE newly-formed Budleigh Salterton Community Entertainers have been given a boost by broadcaster Sue Lawley ahead of their first show, Aladdin, in the New Year.

THE newly-formed Budleigh Salterton Community Entertainers have been given a boost by broadcaster Sue Lawley ahead of their first show, Aladdin, in the New Year.

Panto director Steve Andrews said there had been a 'stupendous' response to Buscers, Budleigh's latest theatrical venture, and their first show is up and flying 'like a magic carpet.'

"I couldn't believe it when messages of support and offers of help - both on-and offstage - started flooding in." he said.

"We now have 90 people involved with Aladdin which will be staged in the Public Hall (on January 16 and 23, starting at 2.15pm and 7.15pm)."

One of the project's most enthusiastic supporters is broadcaster Sue Lawley, who said: "I think this is a wonderful idea. A pantomime is just the right event to involve everyone in Budleigh - regardless of age or experience.

"Steve Andrews has a fine track record as a pantomime scriptwriter and director and I sincerely hope that the whole enterprise will be a huge success.

"I know that people in Budleigh Salterton will be prepared to offer all the support that Steve deserves for this very exciting - and courageous - undertaking."

Steve said he was encouraged that so many people had come forward who had never been on or around the stage before.

"I am delighted with the sheer quality of many of the experienced players; but watching first-timers develop from first-rehearsal nerves to top-flight performers is something special.

"The age-range, too, is significant. Almost eighty years separates oldest from youngest - the biggest span I have ever known.

"Our aim is to include everyone. Rehearsals are well under way and we hope that East Devon people will turn out in force to support us. We think we will offer them a show to remember."

Tickets are �7 and �5 for under 14s and are available from The Card Shop Too in Budleigh Salterton High St.

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