Next year is the 21st anniversary of Bradford amateur dramatic company Drama Unlimited. They are celebrating by staging what they believe to be Yorkshire's biggest amateur pantomime at St George's Hall. Jim Greenhalf reports.

WHEN THE curtain goes up on Drama Unlimited's production of Aladdin at St George's Hall on February 2, it will be the culmination of many months of preparation, rehearsals and fund-raising.

A cast of over 70, more than 400 costume changes, 18 musical numbers performed by a concert band of 20 - no wonder the show is costing about £20,000 to stage for five nights.

When the lights go up after the last performance, the company - formed in 1978 by staff from Brown, Muff, once Bradford's premier department store - hope to have at least a couple of thousand pounds to give to charity. Good causes have benefited by up to £25,000 over the past 20 years, said Phil Wilkinson.

A former Brown, Muff manager, and now a fashion controller for the House of Fraser, he's one of the original 15 members. He's the publicity co-ordinator and plays the Dame in next year's show.

Twenty years ago, Bradford Retail Amateur Dramatic Society put on its first charity show at the YMCA in Little Horton Lane. The company has since expanded to include non ex-employees - hence the change of name to Drama Unlimited.

But making a show happen isn't a matter of rubbing a lamp and making a wish.

"The company is more like a small business, with various committees to raise money. We have to raise a minimum of £5,000 to put on a show like this, which takes about ten months to put together," Phil Wilkinson said. His wife Erica, a member for 15 years, is directing Aladdin.

The script has been sorted out, publicity is in hand, the Bradford Metropolitan Concert Band and the Lynette Merrick-Smith Dancers have been booked, and rehearsals are due to begin in earnest at Bradford Central Working Men's Club, Manchester Road.

So everything is in hand, then? Oh no it isn't!

The company needs help with the many costumes. Another eight to ten singers and dancers are wanted for the chorus. And, can anyone supply a rickshaw...and two Egyptian-style sarcophagi? If you can sew, sing and dance, or know a genie who can supply such props, please contact Simon Richardson on Bradford 560512.

Tickets, which go on sale from September 1, are from £6 to £8.50. Parties of 20-plus may obtain a 20 per cent discount if they book through Mrs Wilkinson on Bradford 637356, or ten per cent if booked through St George's Hall.

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