Burscough Methodist Church hosts pantomime Sinbad

Feb 2 2012 by Michael Byrne, Ormskirk Advertiser

WORSHIPPERS at the Methodist Church in Burscough were given a magic carpet when they arrived last Sunday – which was all part of the annual Pantomime Service.

For the last 23 years members of Burscough Methodist Players have performed a pantomime at this time of year.

When Rev Michael Tindsley arrived six years ago he decided it would be good to have a special service linking themes from the show to the Christian faith.

This year the stories of Jonah and the whale, and of the paralysed man whose friend carries him on a mat to see Jesus, were both linked to the story of Sinbad.

Each year members of the cast help out with the service.

But this year, with the show being Sinbad, the starring role went to one of the props – the Genie’s flying carpet.

The congregation was invited to write prayers on their magic carpets and put them on the panto flying carpet as a way of carrying their friends to God.

Michael said he enjoyed the challenge of watching Thursday night’s first performance and then preparing the service.

He added: “It’s a good way of reminding people that God is present in everything, even the pages of a pantomime script!”

Performances of Sinbad continue on February 2, 3 and 4 and there are still some tickets available for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances, which start at 7.30pm.

For tickets ring 01704 893640.

The Saturday matinee performance is sold out.