IN MID December it was a sell out of all three nights for the seventh epic voyage of a pantomime when this year ‘Parrots of the Caribbean’ took Rilla Mill by storm with the usual convoluting tale written by Christine Hordley.

It was very entertaining by the crew of those mad folks at Rilla Mill with another bonkers production.

There were hints of fairy tales and musicals entwined. This was a voyage on the ‘Titanium’ a ship of Gulliver’s Travels and along the way giving passengers — the now popular pair Andrew Davy as ‘Robinson Caruso’ and Bill Thynne as ‘Thursday Morning’ — a sinking feeling! Dashing ‘Captain Von Krapp’ (Darren Bolt) who had a difficult task with his motley crew, summoned them in Sound of Music style and children’s nurse ‘Tiara’ (Marita Mitchell) arrived, who of course was attracted to the Captain. Her singing was greatly appreciated with encores on the final night as well as for Captain Von Krapp.

The journey included danger, a storm, hijacking by the very colourful parrots, a shipwreck, rescues by the ‘Pearl Fishers’ (Mike Todd and Russ Hanson) in their canoe ‘Polly Wodger’. All ended well of course marooned on ‘Love Island’ with the parrots eating out of the hands of the passengers and crew.

This great production was directed by Joy Dent, assisted by Harry Webb, pianist Shirley Thynne, sound and light George Drew, set design Emma Thomas, stage management Mike Todd assisted by Kevin Gilbert.

The motley crew included Chris Hordley, Judith Pile, Simon Hordley, Jan Norman, Ian Purvis as ‘Kurt’, Donna Plant as ‘Lt Pinkerton’ who worshipped ‘Madman Butterfly’, David Lobban, in his amazing clinging shiny suit, Kevin Gilbert ‘Luke Owt’ played an excellent tipsy crew member, and the only child in the show, Ellen Lambert, took a splendid part.

Pirates, ‘Polyphant’ (Michelle Pearce), ‘Hercule’ (Jan Norman), ‘Olaf’ (Ellen Lambert), ‘Prettypolly’ (Judith Pile) and ‘Pecky’ (Fiona Purvis) squawked viciously and looked splendid in their wonderful colourful costumes made by Joy Dent, assisted by Fran Jones in the wardrobe department.

Congratulations were extended to all who took part, to the production team, The Manor House Inn and Upton Cross Shop for ticket sales, Clare Lambert for choreography, Lisa Drew for ticket production and IT, and all others who helped in any way.

Funds were raised on the night to go towards new lighting and extension to the stage.