The crowd outside Freshwater Memorial Hall over half an hour before the show (observed as I drove past in search of an elusive parking spot!) is testament to the anticipation for Curtain Up’s ‘Free For Hall’ by Cheryl May, the follow up to their sell out production of ‘Blue Murder on the Blue Yonder’ last year. And indeed by the time I arrived the hall was filling up, with a convivial atmosphere – tables had been placed to enable audience members to enjoy a drink from the bar and nibbles, creating a cabaret-style environment, well suited to the show with its lovely piano introduction taking us through some well-known numbers including Bright Side of Life – well, this was definitely the bright side, given the laughter and enjoyment of the audience!

On stage we first met Celeste, practising her yoga in the local hall, to the consternation of Julian who had hired the hall to rehearse the panto he was directing….and this tension drove much of the comedy for the show, exacerbated later on by the arrival of Bill (Brian Steward – who really did play the bells along with two other cast members) to enjoy his bell-ringing hobby – as caretaker, he felt he could use the hall any time he wanted. The arguments between these characters was cleverly interspersed with comedy sketches and song and dance pieces as the drama group ‘rehearsed’ their panto – along with a few skilful fourth wall breakings as actors claimed it was ok to get it wrong as they hadn’t got an audience….. ‘Well, none of any note..’ Frank remarked dryly, his eyes on the full-to-bursting hall.

Sheren Sadler-Ward was excellent as Celeste: not only producing perfect yoga positions – her downward dog positioned almost in Julian’s face was a lovely bit of slapstick comedy – but managing to keep a straight face in the midst of the chaos as Celeste set out her yoga mat and refused to budge, whatever was going on around her…. Unsurprisingly given her own clear talent, Sheren also choreographed the show.

Graham Andrews as Julian, the panto director, brought out his character’s frustration, both at having Celeste in the way and at his cast’s incompetence, which was not helped by stage manager Harriet (Pauline Lombardelli) who had clearly given up on the production and turned to drink – each time she arrived on stage her red wine glass got a bit bigger – a lovely running gag.

The rest of the cast portrayed the panto rehearsal group and collectively and individually entertained us both as their own characters and their panto ones: if I have a criticism here, I would like to have seen more difference between the characters they were and those they played in the panto. I particularly enjoyed Lewis Pavey and Elaine Smith and their magic tyre, and Valerie Rezin’s calculation of the amount of work done by her ‘employees’ last year, complete with whiteboard for her sums.

The song and dance numbers led by Neil Cain were great – another running gag being Cheryl May’s character always being late, and the constant bickering between Valerie Rezin’s Pat and Ann Steward’s Lorraine was great fun, but I could understand Frank and Julian walking out – though poor Annabel (Shirley Leigh) was left as assistant director not quite knowing what to do. Thankfully Julian returned…..to take part in another hilarious song and dance routine.

A special mention must be made of Geoff Kirk who not only directed the show but took on the role of Frank at very short notice due to cast illness. He made the role of the irascible chair of the drama society very much his own. Lighting and backstage support are often forgotten but are integral to the production, and Musical Director and piano virtuoso George King definitely contributed to the enjoyment of the show, both with his piano introductions to both acts and providing live accompaniment to the songs. The absolute highlight of the night for me was the collective piece ‘If I Were Not An Actor…’ with its accompanying choreographed moves – it was hilarious and drew rapturous applause. As the audience left the hall, they were still singing the final song and laughing – another testament to their enjoyment of Curtain Up’s latest show. Well done all!