Saundersfoot Footlights have proved once again that home grown is best with their original musical, Pingleford Players Proudly Present! The story, written and directed by Allison Butler, is based around an amateur dramatic society as they try to decide which show to put on next.

The opening sequence really sets the scene as the audience gets a peek at the final few minutes of panic and preparation before the curtain goes up on opening night of their present show. Cue the first musical number and we’re off, taken back and forth between the Pingleford Players committee meeting and toe-tapping production numbers from the West End and Broadway.

As the committee members try to reach a decision, reminiscing about past productions and debating the merits of new ones, you’ll warm to these characters quickly. In fact, I’ll go as far to say if you’ve ever sat on a committee of any kind yourself, you may even recognise a few of them!

The rather studious chairman Trevor (Steve Butler), whose impatience to reach a decision results in ever-mounting frustration, is kept in check by his patient and long-suffering wife, committee secretary Margery (Marianne Osborne). Look out for the moment we see what Trevor is really thinking when pushed to ‘give it a go’ on stage himself by the new, and very theatrical, director Judith Wimmington-Cummings (Andrea Thomas).

You’ll love the interaction between the yoga loving Meryl (Jocelyn Aveyard) and set designer Brian (Christopher Tilbury). Other colourful characters include snooty vice-president Sylvia (Lynne Gammage), clueless treasurer Hugh (Marten Lewis), over-enthusiastic lighting technician Neil (Jordan Dicken) and wardrobe mistress Pam (Heidi Griffiths). Not forgetting Mavis (Allison Butler), society stalwart and tea lady, whose advancing years mean her glory days in the spotlight are now just memories in a scrapbook.

A talented and well-drilled chorus provide show songs galore, with everything from dazzling production numbers to haunting ballads. There are some stunning voices in Footlights and these are teamed with choreography from Maggie Patterson, of Pineapple Performing Arts School, who’s a friend of the society.

As ever with Footlights, the costumes, sets and lighting are first class. Add a live orchestra, courtesy of musical director Clive Raymond, and you’ve got a fantastic show that will make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye and leave you wanting to dance all the way home!

So, will the committee ever reach a decision? You’ll have to see the show to find out, something I heartily suggest you do!

The show runs until Saturday, June 3, and tickets are available from the Regency Hall and Elements in Saundersfoot, Dale’s in Tenby, Musicians World in Haverfordwest or online at www.saundersfootamdram.co.uk with no booking fee.

J.D.