All good fun

Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society: Old Time Music Hall, at Bucklebury Memorial Hall, from Tuesday, August 14 to Saturday, August 18

Harking back to old roots, KATS' latest presentation was an Old Time Music Hall. Full houses proved that this was still a popular choice and from the reaction of Friday night's audience it was clear to see a great time was had by all, both on and off stage.

There was a selection musical of items from scenas (or scenes) recreated from previous shows in the far distant past: Paris, The Great War, Seaside and Corset Girls, to new and ingenious ones (like the witty Music Hall Shakespeare - complete with gorgeous Elizabethan costumes) all of which kept us thoroughly entertained. The solo items came in good variety and monologues: The Tale of Li Fang Foo, Albert and the Lion and melodrama, The Train Track Tragedy, all added to the atmosphere and fun.

Other items to amaze and amuse included the Magic Show and the Chelsea Pensioners. Chairman Mike Cole worked hard to engage the audience and succeeded in this making the proceedings jolly, while dipping into the action on stage often in many guises.

As always with a KATS production, costumes were outstanding, adding colour to the nicely dressed stage. Simple choreography ensured the small acting area did not prevent the routines from being neatly and effectively executed.

Director Mandy Cole had devised an excellent entertainment, and with accompanist Martin Eggleton back at the piano making sure all the music flowed smoothly, to the old trademark finale Side by Side the cast received their justly deserved applause.

TREVOR DOBSON