Careline Theatre Alcalali

‘Babes In The Wood” is the fiftieth pantomime on which John Booth has worked. 50 pantomimes! Just think of it! It takes a lifetime in the theatre to clock up that number of pantomimes but, of course, that is exactly what John has had: a lifetime in the theatre.
In his very first panto, aged 7, John was Dopey in “Snow White. Even though the hair is getting pretty snowy these days, you could never accuse John of being dopey! In fact, it is his hyper-active and imaginative mind which, combined with all that experience, gives form and substance to this and every other show that he directs.

John learned ‘The Business’ in weekly rep, eventually broadening his experience on the technical side before moving into company and theatre management. Theatres in which he was worked include both the Opera House and the Palace in Manchester, Theatre Royal in Nottingham, and the famous City Varieties Theatre in Leeds. The list of artistes with whom he has worked is almost endless. It includes stars such as: Ken Dodd, Lulu, Danny LaRue, Norman Collier, Roy Castle, Vince Hill, Henry McGee, Ken Platt, Jim Bowen, Matt Munro, Ken Goodwin, Ronnie Hilton, etc., etc., etc..

Very fortunately for us, John has a remarkable sense of humour, a lot of patience, and the willingness to pass on the benefits of all that experience. He has successfully adapted his approach and his technique to bring the best out of amateurs, rather than professionals; even amateurs who may never even have been on stage before. He has also impressed his own philosophy on the Careline Theatre company, which he sums up in the simple phrase: “never be satisfied”.

Well, we are satisfied! We are more than satisfied that our Chairman has proved himself time and again to be able to resolve any aspect of theatre management. We are equally satisfied that our leadership has been first-class and that we could not have achieved half of what we have done without John's professional input.

Congratulations, John, on your 50th pantomime. We are proud to have been even a small part of such a tremendous achievement and we wish you many more to come.

Look at June's work schedule, particularly through the rehearsal period for a production such as this, and you wonder where on earth she gets the energy, never mind the time. She runs about a dozen weekly dance classes in Orba and Calpe for all ages, ranging from 6 to 70+, as well as being an examiner for the SIPBE.  She also runs keep­fit classes and has recently introduced Pilates into her schedule. Include the 6 or 7 weekly rehearsals she has to attend every week and you can see that you need to make an appointment if you want a word with her! Through all of this June constantly manages to keep a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. Her patience with one-footed dancers and uncoordinated cast members is amazing. A very experienced dancer herself, as well as dance teacher and a choreographer in the professional theatre, June has been there, done that, and probably designed and knitted the T-shirt herself! It is very rare indeed for her to feel the need to don her "Atilla The Hun" hat but, if you don't listen or don't try, watch out!

Roger Dean started his musical career over fifty year ago as pianist with various dance bands around the north of England Since that time he spent a considerable amount of time working in the cruise ships on the east coast of America as a pianist,. as well as being band-leader arranger at the prestigious Royal Hotel in Scarborough U.K.

During the last 12 years he has worked with his wife, singer Amanda Lean as part of a high-tech duo "Amanda & Dean " using the dance­band genre as the base for their highly professional and skilled act. Together they worked the most prestigious venues in the North of England as the top "society band" as well as making several appearences on TV.

Roger is a very accomplished arranger and now works from his own studio in Javea producing high quality backings for their duo and for other people, including Careline Theatre. The quality of the music for our show is a testament to Roger's very special musical skills.

We are delighted to have Kelly back with us for another pantomime. Being a half of the comedy duo with Candy Wright in “Aladdin”, Kelly this time gets her chance to exercise her primary talent as a singer of considerable ability and experience. In 1997 Kelly won a major contest and was whisked off to Germany to record a new album of songs. Life has been pretty hectic in the last 12 months too. In August Kelly produced her first baby, Theodore, who is keeping her very busy as only babies can! Maid Marion is only Kelly’s third ever part in a stage show, and she is looking forward to it.

Rick was a Butlins Redcoat in his early years and this gave him an interest in theatre which has persisted ever since. With his laconic sense of humour, his large frame and his avuncular manner, Rick is ideally suited to pantomime. He has played a variety of roles since we first started, and this is his second show ‘in skirts’. However, his real love is comedy and he has appeared in three of our four plays to date.