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Comedy troup hits Al Ain

The last OTT production, was the comedy ‘Darling, Darling', which played to a total audience of over 450 during two performances at the end of May. The piece is a comedy set in Dubai with a cast of six. That the three ladies are all air-hostesses will tempt theatre buffs to see the connection between the double-barreled title and a more famous stage play.

By public demand, the first offering of the new season is a repeat of ‘Darling, Darling' on September 25 at the InterContinental Hotel.

This production will have added significance as it will be a final ‘dress rehearsal' before the cast go on the road with a performance at the Crowne Plaza, Dubai on October 22.

The original cast returns. Jason Bird, Manager of the HandJ, plays John, Man about Town. Our hero has to juggle the outward and return flights of three fiances, played by Helen Maunton, Children's Nurse at Tawam Hospital, Clary Moran, Teacher of English at HCT, and Sharm Mohammed Raja, Teacher at Al Ain Liwa School. The two remaining parts are those of John's butler, played by Jack Riggs, who has taught in the Garden City for 5 years and and his horrified visiting friend played by Andy Wilson, also from Liwa School.

Looking further ahead, organisation is well advanced for the traditional English X'mas Pantomime. Residents who revelled in last year's show, ‘Aladdin', should mark their diaries for the five performances of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' on December 16, 17, 18, and 19 at the InterContinental Hotel. Snow White will be an opportunity for anyone interested in Theatre Dramatics to get involved.

Whether you have talent as a singer, dancer or would like to be part of the backstage and production crew, do contact Andy Reynolds at Mobile 4486842 or e-mail, ottproductions@yahoo.co.uk.

InterCon mixes party with exhibition

FOLLOWING the success of last year's inaugural event, the InterContinental Resort, Al Ain, held a second Networking Party in the ballroom of the hotel last Thursday afternoon.

This InterCon initiative, in cooperation with Al Ain Mall, was designed to allow companies and associations in the Garden City to demonstrate their ‘wares' to new residents. Over 40 stalls were manned including travel agents, financial services, and higher education.

The hotel itself generously issued vouchers to all who registered for food and refreshments, not only on the exhibition site, but also for exchange in Luce's and the Horse and Jockey.

By mid afternoon it was clear that the total attendance of last year's 320 visitors , would be easily bettered.

A prominent stall was that manned by Eng. Basel Shamasneh, Events Manager, Marketing Division of the Al Ain Development and Tourism Promotion Authority. This department has been in operation for two year's and as the name suggests, its goal is to enhance the role of the Capital of the Eastern Region as a centre for national and international visitors.

The InterContinental Resort has itself a wide range of activities and opportunities on offer. In the current September/October brochure, classical music enthusiasts will note a return of the Min Trio whose previous performance was a masterpiece. Violinists Min Yang and Maxine Kwok will again be accompanied by pianist Zheng Yang. All are musicians from the London Symphony Orchestra.

An interesting innovation is ‘Hotel Management for Kids'. This will allow youngsters to find out how a 5-star hotel operates.

Over a period of four weekends, the secrets of the House Keeping Department, The Kitchen, Front Office and Restaurants will be revealed.

For details contact Natalie on 03-7686686 ext 217. Though planned for youngsters under 15 years I am sure that many adults would be equally well interested.

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