SHOBROOKE recently saw its first pantomime staged in the village for 40 years - and it was a sellout!

SADS, Shobrooke Amateur Dramatic Society, was quickly created after village resident, Victoria Leeming, had the idea of starting and producing a village pantomime.

"Cinderella", with script by Alex Jackson, was chosen and rehearsals began.

Victoria explained: "The decision to embark on this venture was fuelled by a combination of nostalgia, a desire for community engagement, and the prospect of creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

"At the heart of my decision was a longing for the cherished tradition of pantomime that had enchanted my childhood."

Victoria said she wanted a form of live performance that could captivate both young and old.

She added that "rehearsals became not only a creative endeavour but also a social hub, where friendships formed, and a shared sense of purpose united us".

Victoria said that a camaraderie developed during rehearsals and that there was a collaborative spirit extending beyond the stage.

She said volunteers passionately contributed their time and expertise to set design, music, costume creation, and other crucial elements that bring the pantomime to life.

Such was the success of the ticket sales that an extra night's performance was added and that was also a sell-out.

The cast included Bethan Ditchfield as Cinderella, Joe Leeming as Prince Charming, Melissa Gould as Buttons, Kirsty Brett as Dandini, Dee Handley as Baroness Hardup, Jonty Brett as Kim, Derek Brett as Baron Hardup, John Lee (Non OBE) as Chloe, Christopher Lee as Fairy Godmother, Lynsay Barkhill as the Mayor of Pumkinville, Beth Ayres as Miss Tutu, Sally Foot as Rabbit, Citizen, Servant, Dancer and Footman and Ann Conway as Sparrow, Citizen, Servant and Dancer.

Crediton Arts Centre loaned costumes and thanks went to costume ladies Lindy and Frederique with Fran as Stage Director and Conrad as Musical Director.

Sponsors were Mole Avon, The Red Lion Inn (for use of the car park and delicious pasties), Hedgerow Print for marketing materials, A and S Paving for materials to build the stage extension and props and Ladds Guns for the hospitality marquee.

Thanks went to Shobrooke Village Hall for use of the hall.

SADS spokesperson Lauren Cook said: "Due to the support and demand from the local community this year, SADS group is now already in the planning process for next year's performance and hope to do more performances than just the three next year.

"Hopefully this was the start of many more to come."