Write-up for Parish Magazine

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For 3 nights at the end of February the Parish Hall was returned to its youth when the Aldermaston Players presented a Music Hall with songs and sketches from the start of the last century.

Each evening started with a meal excellently prepared by Jean Chapman and delivered by her team of waitresses and waiters. The bar was in the capable hands of David Pugh, Cliff Whatmore and Mark Steele - the barrel of beer was kindly donated by the Hinds Head. After the first course the lights dimmed and the entertainment began with the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Christopher Goodchild, "warming up" the audience with jokes and feet stamping.

There followed a melody of songs by the chorus, several solo items and a recital of the "Green Eye of the Little Yellow God" that included an egg! Dessert having been served, then began the cheering, booing and hissing as the audience participated in "The Melodrama". The final part took us back to the Great War with soldiers and nurses singing memorable and evocative tunes of the time. A good old singsong for the cast and audience ended the evening, but not before the raffle prizes and Best Dressed prizes were won.

Thanks to all the audiences, cast and crew who made it such an enjoyable and successful venture. The 3 nights raised £1475 for the Parish Hall funds.

The cast were drawn from the ranks of the Sainsbury Singers and Mortimer Dramatic Society with Tim Huggins adding a local flavour. The maestro at the pianoforte was Fay Fawcett. The principal members of the crew were Chris Chapman, Sarah Huggins, Ken Grummitt and Sally Boott.

CJB