The many addicts who have flocked to he Rugby Theatre over the years to enjoy their renowned Old Time musicals were treated to an unforgettable presentation at Pailton village hall on Saturday 27th January.
A packed attendance welcomed Mike Allen and this troupe of greatly talented performers who delivered a sterling programme of musical numbers, humorous recitations and well-seasoned jokes to the appreciative assembly.
Many members of the audience arrived appropriately attired in Victorian costume which provided a dignified lustre reminiscent of our greatest age.
Particular credit is due to local resident, Mike Hansford, who is a prominent member of the Rugby Theatre group for arranging the entertainment in which he took a leading role along with local soprano Liz West from Monks Kirby and junior vocalist Raphael Le Cornu making an early public performance.
The musical numbers, accompanied by pianist Brenda Griffiths, evoked memories of well loved classics many accompanied by the audience who had been invited to participate in traditional music hall style. The solos, duets and monologues together with the humorous direction of chairman Peter Cook reduced the audience to fits of helpless laughter.
The entertainment was supported by a well stocked bar tended by ladies of the Village Trust committee also cheese and biscuits refreshments during the interval. A grand raffle added to the financial success of the evening.
Over the years Pailton has proved to be an oasis of homespun entertainment which has delighted our closely bonded community with successful shows which have often exhausted all known superlatives. This event proved exceptional and whether judged by applause, tears or laughter seemed by popular opinion to have ranked among the front runners.
The next event on the Village Trust’s social calendar is an evening with ‘Hickie’ an indie-rock band who will play their music for us on Saturday 24th March adding to the wide variety of entertainment provided at the village hall.
Joanna Morris-Jones