Sir.-Communities in decline? Not in Old Basing they ain't!

Last weekend's mammoth performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Old Basing Village Hall shows that the community in this neck of the woods is very much alive.

It involved more than 60 members of the production team as well as a cast of 63 (with two stalwarts as Ermintrude the cow), including singers and 12 children plus adults from St Mary's Junior School.

All gave up so much of their time and their talents freely. Some commuting thespians had to rush home, grab a sandwich and be ready for the rehearsals that started months before.

Their reward was packed houses of more than 200 for each performance. The panto was a sell-out.

It was the inspiration of producer Jackie Deadman, who wrote the script, and the indefatigable director Rowena Hackett, who brought this all together.

It was that feeling of togetherness that united everyone - production team, performers and, not least, the enthusiastic audiences.

Furthermore, the funds produced will go towards the upkeep of that centrepiece of the village community - St Mary's Church.

Finally, it is not really for me as a (very minor) member of the cast to comment on the performances, but I can say, without bias, they were fantastic - oh yes they were!

Sleepy the Dwarf,
Old Basing.