TATWORTH Amateur Pantomime Society (TAPS) thrilled audiences last week with their production of Tom the Piper’s Son.

The society brought the small stage at the Memorial Hall to life with impressive, colourful sets and a clever use of props, from unpleasant pheasants to holey knickers. There were numerous comic set pieces superbly acted out by the cast and stage time was well shared between the leading characters, with Kelly Foote making the title role her own.

Shannon Riste, Kieran Riste, Katie Gaylard and Emma Hodder all held their own in their respective roles.

A witty and topical script raised many a chuckle among the assembled audience – the dastardly Knave of Hearts Robert Pendry asking if there were any parish councillors available during his search for proper, died in crooks.

All the songs of the production were very tuneful – but it would have been nice to hear a bit more volume in the voices on one or two of the numbers.

The costume changes of Dame Sprightly, ably acted out by Neil Gaylard, included one proper Bucks Fizz skirt ripping moment – helped with comedy chemistry from Georgie Porgie Lesley Speed.

Nina White and Kim Gaylard combined well as the Knave of Hearts’ bumbling sidekicks, who were taught a lesson by Fairy Harmony Jackie Legg.

But as well as those on the stage there were also thoughts for those not with the society on the night, with master of ceremonies Ken Wheadon dedicating this year’s pantomime to Jim Sandford.

Jim stage managed the group’s productions from the group’s inception in 1985 until 2010, proving as big a character backstage as the cast were on the stage.

Over the years he took several walk on parts and made numerous routines for TAPS and Ken added that his presence is still very much felt.

Cast: The Knave of Hearts – Robert Pendry; Fairy Harmony – Jackie Legg; Kitty Fisher – Shannon Riste; Jack Horner – Katie Gaylard; Tom Sprightly – Kelly Foote; Dame Sprightly – Neil Gaylard; Princess Marigold – Emma Hodder; The Lord Chamberlain – Kieran Riste; Georgie Porgie – Lesley Speed; The Sprite – Shannon Riste; Bucket – Kim Gaylard; Spade – Nina White; Herald – Fern Taylor; Old King Cole – Trevor Ball; Queen Mattiwilda – Tina Legg; The Pieman – George Speed; The Ship’s Captain – Robert Hilton; Grendelgorm – Brittany Hodder.

Chorus: Natalie Diamond; Robert Hilton; Julie Parfoot; Ken Wakelyn. Junior Chorus: Rosie Bolton; Brittany Hodder; George and Tamsin Legg; George and Olivia Speed; Fern Taylor.