THE Bishopswood Players entertained more than 230 people on March 31 and April 1.

Priscilla Whitefield opened proceedings with the poem 'Memories of an Old Chardian on a gate at Field Bars' by the late Audrey Miller, which had everyone reminiscing. There then followed three one-act comedies.

In 'The Royal Welcome' by Ronald and Michael Pertwee, nine-year-old Jordan Jones stole the show as the irrepressible Lennie, the spaceman with his head stuck in a toffee tin, from which his Dad (Lawrie Wright) dressed in his long johns, tried to extricate him just as the Royal visitor arrived.

Lawrie also played the hapless holidaymaker in Betty Barker's side-splitting 'Wellcombe or Wellcombe Not', and caused much amusement as the amorous Albert in 'Where There's Muck There's' by Julia Richdale-Ellis.

As usual, Heather Hodges as Gran, the farmer's wife and jittery Miss Jarvis had everyone in stitches. Mike Fortune, in his first time with the Players, put in an extremely funny fleeting appearance as the leering Farmer, which terrified the hapless holidaymaker's wife, Candy, played by Janet Grabham. Janet also played Mum and the Vicar.

Priscilla Whitefield made a welcome return as Mildred, the sour neighbour, which she played with panache, whilst Alice with her greased down hair and stout tummy made an admirable Bishop.

Penny Gale with her perfect diction made a wonderful Mrs Pilgrim, the tipsy vicar's wife, whilst Carol Jones, who was on stage throughout the whole of 'Where There's Muck There's', played the cleaner Mrs Harkin, pursued by the amorous Albert with style. She also made a credible teenager, Pat.

Louise Knight displayed her many talents, firstly as the bald, crusty Major with his 'bravos' and 'capitals', as the nervous elderly cockerel keeper Mrs Tipper (a duologue with Janet Grabham as Mrs Dyson), a duped drunk council official Frances Farthing, and finally she gave a lovely display of a Hungarian gypsy dance Czardas, dressed in a dazzling red, black and gold costume, accompanied by Maureen Twigg on the piano.

Maureen also played 'I Dreamed a Dream' and 'Bring Him Home' from Les Miserables.

May Sparks was the prompt.

As will all good amateur productions, there was the forgotten name and decorations which managed to fall down on cue, which ensured a jolly evening's entertainment, under the direction of Lynn Wright.

Lynn and Lawrie Wright were also responsible for the set. Penny Gale was in charge of make up and Chris Watkis did a splendid job with the light and sound.

Cliff and Happy Wright were in charge of Front of House, and members and friends of Otterford and Bishopswood WI provided the many cups of tea during the interval.

The raffle on both nights raised a magnificent £306.50 for the Children's Hospice South West.