THERE is something so warm and embracing about a village hall production and the Cheriton Players’ welcome was just that.

It was a local show, for local people and clearly part of the village’s heritage, with the group performing since 1961.

Paddy Roadnight hit just the right tone and kept the proceedings moving smoothly, as the compere.

There was some impressive singing, both ensemble and individual. Claire Smith in particular, showed us her capabilities with challenging numbers from Cats and Les Miserables.

If singing isn’t your bag, then there were poetry and sketches from well-loved characters such as Grenfell and Coward.

Tim Tyler had first-rate comic timing, while Mike Cornter and Graham Cranmer provided the physical clowning.

However, the biggest star was Sue Alexander, tinkling the ivories and giving the odd prompt.

She stayed hidden behind a piano and the cast’s vocals but did not go unnoticed.

This is home-spun talent served with a local pint and ploughman’s.

What could be nicer?

REBECCA CASE