Sinbad The Sailor at the Customs House

Once again Customs House director Ray Spencer and his team have proved they are catering for the whole community.

Too few venues nationally cater for children’s theatre and, considering youngsters comprise the majority of pantomime audiences, it is a disgrace – especially as panto keeps British theatre afloat. What’s more, like cartoon films, children’s plays also appeal to adults who have a sense of humour.

Over the past couple of months the Customs House has led the way and shown a number of children’s shows, including a summer panto, musicals, celebrity fun shows and a host of plays. The latest was this hugely entertaining Sinbad.

The original Sinbad was created by the Grimm Brothers and this production carries on the adventures in Arabia when a princess is captured and taken to Ogre Island where she is held to ransom.

It may have had a very basic storyline and equally basic set but the kids loved the interaction and the swashbuckling adventures of Sinbad and his sidekick Mustapha P as they battled against the dastardly pirate Hogwash to save the princess.

The script tended to lack high-power belly laughs and took too long to reach lift –off in the first half but it was rocking by the second period and all five principal actors were solid. A cracking good time was had by all.

Alice In Wonderland is the next Customs House children’s show. If it’s as good as Sinbad make a date at the Customs House next Thursday.