30th October 2010

The youngsters of ACT2 (Axmouth Children’s Theatre and their friends) were performing again on 30th October 2010. The group, who do it purely for fun and to raise money for charities, put on a one night show in Axmouth Church.

The show, written by Malcolm Henty and Beth Wood, raised over £450 which is being split between the Church and CRY.

From the minute Callum Wood brilliantly opened the show with “Lets Dance” the audience were treated to a packed programme of songs, sketches, dance and poems. Jess Spiller and Shelby West kept the show moving with their narration and poems.

Everyone played their parts as the cast went through some old favourites from their previous shows as well as introducing many new characters such as Dames Unhinged and Crackit, superbly portrayed by Jared Stevens and David Goodhew, and Gordon the Gorilla.

Amongst the many highlights were the sketches where Noah told his wife of the forthcoming flood; and the modern day version of the Three Wise (Wo)men on their way to Bethlehem. Another one saw the two old dames installed as Headmistress and PE mistress of St Trinian’s school.

Beth Wood and Pacha Woodland both did solos and Megan Spiller along with Katie Walker read the moving poem “Life before the War” to the backing of the Leonard Cohen song “The Partisan”.

The local vicar, Gavin, did a slot before the break with his Beatboxing and he also joined the cast in an unrehearsed version of “Jailhouse Rock” to close the show.

Several of the cast will be in action again at the Axmouth Village Hall Christmas Bazaar on Saturday 27th November where they will be doing some Christmas songs.

They will also be involved in a Variety Show with a meal next April to raise funds for their next production which will be in October 2011.

The cast and backstage crew would like to thank Matt and Dave of Alexander Paul Antiques for their sponsorship; and also Gary and Toni of The Harbour Inn for providing them all with suppers after the show.

Cast: Beth Wood (co-writer), Ayesha Keast, Devon Foster, Victoria Herrity, Chloe Yates, Megan Spiller, Jess Spiller, Taylor West, Shelby West, Katie Walker, Livvy, Pacha Woodland, David Goodhew, Jared Stevens, Callum Wood.

Malcolm (co-writer and director)

ACT2 previously raised funds and awareness for CRY with their show “Hairgel – The Musical”