BUDE’S newly formed theatrical society BITS (Bude Independent Theatre Society) made an impressive debut last Friday and Saturday evenings, November 4 and 5 when they took to the stage of the Parkhouse Centre to present a Variety Show, writes Christine Williams.

It was presented cabaret style with the audience at tables served food and drinks in the interval and the items were introduced by Martin Holehouse.

Variety was the key word as the audience were treated to an evening of music, song, dance and comedy, giving members of the society whose ages ranged from four upwards an opportunity to display their talents.

Linda Hull and Annette Philips in glittering red showgirl costumes got the show off to a dynamic start with Hot Honey Rag from Chicago, and then the girls of Bude Methodist Youth Dance Group performed ballet (Sugar Plum Fairy and Pirates of the Caribbean) and tap dances (Tea for Two and One) showing what an asset they will be to the society as they grow up.

The programme was punctuated by comedy sketches: Medical Centre (Marion and Graham Robertson) poking fun at NHS form-filling, School Reunion (Sue Neal and Linda Hull) demonstrating the hazards of meeting up with people you haven’t seen for years, Loo Rolls and Love (Beth Moore as a romantic cleaning lady) and ‘Doris’ (Roy Mackenzie and Marlene Jewell) showing the risks of marital infidelity.

Gerry Mason’s Albert and the Lion was a tour de force of timing as without a slip he pulled a variety of props from a suitcase.

There was more comedy with Spice Girls 2060, imagining what the Spice Girls might be like 40 odd years hence singing ‘Spice up your Life’ and Kim Tresidder and Di Betts as Baz and Maeve performed a song of marital disharmony.

There was music in the modern idiom too performed by Rock ‘n Roll tribute duo Potential (John Masters and Keith Kennard) and Evie Masters sang four songs (including Over the Rainbow and Wonderful World) accompanying herself on guitar then ukelele. If ever BITS decide to stage a musical they have a star performer in Mark Rosser who sang Witchcraft a la Frank Sinatra.

Each half of the programme ended with the full cast performing songs from musicals: a scene from Oliver! in which Mark morphed into Fagin and in the grand finale from Les Miserables he became Jean Valjean as he movingly sang Bring him home.

The evening came to a stirring end with Master of the House and the cast taking their bows as they sang Do You Hear the People Sing?

Most musical items were accompanied by a small band (Hilary Daniel, Sally Hayden and John Osborne) and in the interval entertainment was provided by a ukulele band.

The 35 people who appeared on the stage were supported by back stage and front of house teams. Choreography was by Jayne Colgrave and Linda Hull, lighting by Liam Drewery and Pam Alexander was stage manager. The wonderful costumes were largely provided by the cast themselves with Di Betts and Linda Hull in charge. Di and Linda were also assistant directors to the man on whom the main responsibility fell, director Matthew Long.

The enthusiastic applause of the audience should give them and all the members of BITS reason be well pleased with this their first venture and encourage them to move on to further productions.

Plans are afoot to present a full-length play in May and anyone who would like to be actively involved or who wishes to support BITS in any way should email [email protected]