NURSERY rhyme characters get a makeover in this locally devised pantomime that is delightfully daft and produced by the Fortuneswell-based amateur company.

Newcomer to the group Jo Mackay not only wrote but also directs this annual feast of fun in which Little Miss Muffet and quite contrary Mary star as warring sisters who are also the daughters of Old King Cole.

With the girls each seeking a rich husband to get their bankrupt father out of trouble, they get help – and hindrance – from the dame Mrs Fartalot and an idiotic clown called Whoopi as they seek the missing tuffet which is supposedly full of treasures.

The lively cast is led by the excellent Stephanie Clifton and Jo Cheverton as the silly sisters who bring the story to life as they sing, dance and fight each other over the attentions of Prince Prancealot, a horse-bound suitor with a problem or two of his own, played by Sue Atyeo. Len Strom sets the tone as narrator and Mark Sampson- Vincent is on his usual over- the-top form as the Dame whose son, Elfrida Strom as Whoopi, gets the audience into their stride with the usual panto responses.

Dave Mackay makes an impressive debut with the company as the penniless King Cole and a host of attractive youngsters are brought into the plot in minor roles.

Old hit songs like I’m a Believer and Love is All Around Me are nicely revived with new lyrics and if the familiar panto comedy routines are missing, the show has a wit and humour of its own that is appealing and entertaining.

The production continues for the rest of the week.

MARION COX

Get your tickets

EVENING performances of Old King Cole and the Troublesome Troll begin at 7.30pm and are from tonight to Saturday.

There will be a matinée on both Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 at 2.30pm, but no evening performance on Sunday. Tickets are available from Danny’s in Fortuneswell and Cards & Celebrations, online or by phone.