POWICK Players’ pantomime was Cinderella Part 2 – the Sisters Strike Back! (written by Andrew Yates) which played for five nights over half term.

It is a modern take on the traditional story but telling how the sisters try to sabotage the wedding of Cinderella to Prince Charming. The scheming sisters Asphyxia (Rob Leadbeater) and Nausea (Joy Hadley) are daughters of Lord and Lady Rockbottom ( Dave Smedley and Julia Sandy) and they seek the help of Wanda the Witch (Elaine Mather) and her Dating Agency to cast a spell on the Prince (Claire Jefferies). His infidelity causes Cinderella (Lydia Brand) to call off the wedding. Meanwhile Lady Rockbottom enlists the help of Tarquin (Geoff Plumstead), resplendent in purple, to plan the wedding and arranges a Talent Show to find the best entertainment. The “baddie” in the panto is Urinal Skinflint, the money lender (John Hadley), whose two simpleton sons Will and Ned (Nick Sandy and Mick Washbourne) provide much humour as woodcutters. A musical ballet and clog dance based on the music from La fille mal gardee is danced by children Amy Beard, Ellie Brighton and Lily Smith with Jocelyn Campbell dressed as mushrooms under the watchful eyes of Toadstool (Chris O’Brien) working for Wanda. The first act opened with a chorus of villagers dancing and ended with the Princes’ friend Dan Dini (Louise Carter) coming to the Prince’s aid after he had a spell cast on him. Dan Dini led the singing of YMCA and was joined by the chorus.

The highlight of act two was the talent show with flashing lights and buzzers providing a professional touch. The acts were Sasha the Snake Charmer (George Brooke), Dan Dini and villager Jill (Maureen Charles) who told jokes, villager Bill (Meg Allsopp) with ventriloquist doll Benny (who had woodworm and the limbs fell off), and Ned and Will performing a ballet based on Bolero. The boys dressed in sparkly purple and with dry ice adding atmosphere won the contest earning money for their performance. Bert the handyman (Robert Floyd) muscled in on the acts by clearing up, and raising the snake from the basket with his fishing rod. But all ends well – the spell is broken, the spell book burnt, Cinderella marries the Prince, Ned marries Asphyxia, Will marries Nausea, Dan Dini marries Wanda. Other parts were played by Barbara Washbourne (the serving wench) and Rachel Riddick (Syd Sunshine, agent to the stars).

Directed by Moyna Clarke, the performances were enhanced by excellent lighting(Rob Leadbeater), set designs, music and sound (Brian Charles and Tom Mather), choreography (Liz Brand), props (Krys Lamb, Rachel Plumstead and George Brooke) and costumes, the make up team, prompt (Gill Canning) and Front of House (Chris and Ken Hipwell). Each night a raffle was held for local charities.

Next Friday, March 6 a service for Women's’ World Day of Prayer takes place in St James’, Callow End at 7.30pm. The service is planned by women in the Bahamas and will be followed by refreshments.

Last Friday 21 children took part in activities at St James’ church where they learnt about the Armour of God – faith, truth, trust etc – by making shields and swords, playing games and singing. The morning ended with lunch. Special thanks to Frances Betts, Vicky Whitehouse and Kay Shuard for the organisation.

MEG ALLSOPP 01905 830746