CELEBRATING 65 years of fundraising for Action for Children, Bishopstoke Players’ autumn production was as advertised on the tin, with a valiant attempt at a collection of sketches and songs and a Ploughman’s supper in the interval.

There was much to enjoy among the offerings; Kevin Bowers again showed a natural aptitude for comedy, enhanced this time with his flair for authentic accents, Bart Bauer’s enthusiasm for performing was contagious, Rachel Craig had a lovely energy with some touching moments as a child, and the company were solid, having been well-rehearsed.

For the purists, though, most performances lacked depth or were too inhibited to really spring to life, the MC wasn’t effusive enough until the finale to fully engage audience interactive rapport, and the ambitious song selections stretched their musical ability.

However, overall the community audience enjoyed this for what it was: a fun evening of local entertainment!