A REAL flying carpet combined with an impressive shrinking Wishee Washee and a guest star camel helped the Hunton Village Panto, near Bedale achieve near sell out performances.

The Extremely Amateur Dramatics Society based in the village, returned to the traditional show of Aladdin for this years event, after several years of writing bespoke pantos, but they gave the script a very local feel.

The cast including many long standing members were also joined by new people who along with great acting talent showed real creativity with their costume creations.

The special guest star pantomime camel made a surprise appearance hot footing it from a particularly successful run in the No 1 must see pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk held at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond.

Critic Paul Durrant said:”The cast of 26 were well supported by the backstage team who again excelled themselves in creating some amazing special prop effects; the physical shrinking of Wishee Washee at Widow Twanky’s laundrette and a ‘real’ flying carpet to name two.

"Along with a new young talented pianist, Joe Seaborne, a dance troupe of 8 local children and a production team of 25, the annual show offered a real opportunity for anyone to get involved in what is a great traditional local event.”

Co-Director, Emma Towning, who also played the part of Aladdin said she was really pleased at this year’s audience figures which were better than for last years’ production, with all four shows nearing sell-out status.

“ The Society will hopefully, as a result of the good ticket sales, be able to pass on all the profits to local charities with a large proportion of the funds raised being gifted to Hunton’s children’s playground refurbishment project,” she added.