DESCRIBED as a gallimaufry (a jumble or confused medley), there is never anything confusing about director Philip De Grouchy’s seasonal offerings.

The multi-talented cast skilfully weaved well-selected seasonal anecdotes from writers as diverse as Charles Dickens and poet Carol Ann Duffy together with musical numbers.

Poignant letters to and from loved ones marooned on distant battlefields, humorous pleas to agony aunts and a Cockney version of the Queen’s Speech were all delivered in a range of authentic regional accents.

Company members Janet Scott and Eric Petterson’s own compositions sat very favourably alongside those of the more famous writers.

The first act ended with a hilarious performance of Frank Muir’s comic playlet The Grip of Iron, with Petterson’s wonderfully manic serial murderer brought to book by De Grouchy.

Pauline Dukes, Marie McDade and Jill Desborough were equally impressive throughout.

The set was sparse but atmospheric and keyboardaccompanist Rosa Longman’s solo rag was just one more feature in a delightful evening.

ALAN JOHNS