In September I had the pleasure of attending an original play, specially written by local playwright, Chrissy Evans, at the town hall in Colyton.

Evans Above productions was formed by producer Christine Newton, to put on a show to raise money for Seaton and District Hospital League of Friends “Hospice at home” service. The play, ‘SOS does Shakespeare’ followed the fortunes of the Seaton-on-Sea amateur drama group After 50 years of directing amateur dramatics, Phil wanted to put on one last production, to impress the feared National Amateur Dramatic Association and, unfortunately, choose to put on Romeo and Juliet.

The first act had elements of high farce as the hapless actors tried to muddle their way through a costume crisis, cast rebellions and second-hand scenery, not to mention Juliet’s pregnancy, all handled brilliantly by Evans Above Production’s real director, Steve Miller, while the second act showcased the true abilities of the cast with each actor performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s plays in the modern setting of a cafe.

The play was funny, moving at times, and the local actors, some of whom had never been on stage before, showed real talent. Even the Mayor Amrik Singh joined in the fun.

There was almost a full house on both nights the production ran, and they hope to have well exceeded the £1,000 they set out to raise for this much needed charity.

t the end the audience asked when the next one would be. A wonderful production which raised the spirits as well as the roof.