THE meanest man in Baghdad has finally received his comeuppance.
No Tony, not him. Back off George. It was in fact the most boo-worthy baddy in Mesopotamia, Kasim Baba, brother of Ali and alter ego of the even wickeder El Scorpio.
El Scorpio and his forty... well, ten thieves were out to steal the treasures from an ancient tomb just outside Baghdad and only Ali Baba (Richard Tippin) stood in his way.
Ali, together with his policeman son Rhum Baba, caf owner Fatima Kebab and explorers Professor and Polly Jones set out to track down the treasure and thwart El Scorpio. With much ensuing hilarity, song and dance, naturally.
After a tentative beginning from the chorus, both cast and audience let their inhibitions slide and enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining show. Bright costumes, music and silly voices kept children amused while a few double-entendres had the adults chuckling away.
A strong and enthusiastic cast meant the show was never dull. Raucous dame Fatima Kebab (Chris Mair), complete with moustache, provoked hoots of laughter whenever she took to the stage, while Tom Harris was deliciously evil as Kasim/El Scorpio. The fishnet stockings and knee high boots of Rhum Baba (Alison Harris) kept the adult males happy and her thief-bashing antics made her a hit with the kids.
Vanessa Dawe and Harry Arnold Harris, as the Timon and Pumbaa-like Bubble and Squeek, deserve a mention, as do Martin Harker as Professor Jones and Andrea Morgan as Olive Baba.
The run continues until tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm.
Phill Tromans
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