Ref. 75747-128THE show must go on for a pantomime dame whose wigs, make-up and eyelashes have been stolen just days before he is due on stage.

Stuart Dark, who is playing Widow Twanky in Wootton Bassett Light Operatic Society's production of Aladdin, is distraught that thieves have stolen his pantomime dame accessories.

They took his entire collection of stage make-up and specially made wigs and false beards from the back of his car, which was parked in the North Star car park while he was at work.

Mr Dark, 43, who works in environmental health, had built up the collection over 27 years of playing pantomime dames in amateur productions.

He said: "The collection of make-up was worth well over £100 and it was all special stage make-up which is not easy to find and is very expensive.

"It is different to normal ladies make-up as it is a lot heavier and there is a special foundation I use to hide my five o'clock shadow.

"The wigs are specially made to look as realistic as possible.

"It is essential to help me to get into character."

In the production of Stuart wears a different wig and dress every time he goes onto to stage so the theft has come as a massive blow.

"It is a real pain.

"One of the jokes in the show is that the male characters wear false beards that accidentally get attached to the female characters.

"It's a really important part of the show.

"We have now had to buy some new wigs and false beards. We just have to accept what has happened."

Stuart believes that the stolen items, which were in a blue holdall, may have been dumped somewhere by whoever stole them.

"I think that whoever took the bag is probably very disappointed about what they found inside," said Stuart.

"So what probably happened is that they dumped it in the street somewhere and are not that bothered.

"If they can give it back or if someone sees it lying somewhere I would be really grateful if they could get in touch.

"I'm not interested in catching someone I just want the bag back."

Anyone with information should contact Stuart on 07759 553 252.

Aladdin will performed by the Wootton Bassett Light Operatic Society at Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall from Wednesday January 26 to Sunday January 30 at 7.30pm.

For tickets at £5 or £4 for children ring 01793 529 678.

Diana Milnem