From the Totnes Times of January 14, 1928
On Monday Arthur Manning presented his operetta ‘Aladdin and Out’ which was to have taken place on Boxing Day. The cast was as follows: Aladdin, Miss V Pine; Badmanazzar the Magician, Mr Ge Preston; Emperor Winkie-Wum, Mr M Elliot; Phatman (Prime Minister), Mr G Preston; So-So his son, Mr G Smale; Genie of the Lamp and Ring, Master M Shute; Mrs Mustapha (Aladdin’s widowed mother), Mr T Preston; Phulmoon (Emperor’s daughter), Miss R Manning; Bu-tea, Bo-hea, Peep-bo, So-shy (laundry students and afterwards Court Ladies), Mrs Tucker and the Misses N Edmonds, M Cole and V Manning; with a chorus composed of Sunday School children.
The afternoon and evening performances drew large attendance. The operetta was in three parts, comprising fine changes from light comedy, chiefly centred around Mr Theo Preston and his laundry lectures, to the regal splendour of the Emperor’s court. The good acting of the Misses Pine and Manning and Mr T Preston drew much applause from the audience, as did the Charleston performed by little Vera Preston. Songs were admirably rendered by the Misses Pine, Manning and Edmunds, and Mrs T Preston and M Elliot.
The Vicar (Rev C Elwell) in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Manning, remarked that it was very gratifying to observe the amount of local talent, and Mr Manning replying paid a tribute to Miss Pine and Mr Preston for the assistance they had given in training the children, and also to Miss Manning, who’s first appearance it was among them. The proceeds were in aid of the Sunday School children’s summer outing.
