The Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS) theatre in Holsworthy rang to singing and laughter, as Holsworthy Rotary staged its 16th charity ‘Extravaganza’ on Friday, March 29.

An exciting and varied program included a wide range of music, magic from Jack Lovegrove, more music and comedy.

The event everyone was waiting for, though, was the return of ‘Nai and Yelsel’ — aka Ian Parker and Lesley Wonnacott — after last year’s triumph when Yelsel sustained only ‘minor injuries’ from her trip across the stage from a cannon.

This year, the bar, and the risk to life and limb — well, strictly Yelsel’s life and limb — were even higher, as Nai attempted William Tell’s legendary feat, when he shot an apple off Yelsel’s head with a crossbow bolt.

The tension was high as Nai balanced the ‘specially-selected’ Lewtrenchard apple on Yelsel’s head, and the audience waited with bated breath to see if Yelsel would survive the feat.

Happily, the bolt thudded into the wall, smashing the apple, but leaving Yelsel (physically) unharmed.

It was said to be a ‘fitting climax to an excellent evening’ which, in addition to giving all who came a great evening’s entertainment, raised more than £2,000, which will allow Holsworthy Rotary to carry on supporting good causes in and around the town.

Rotary president Margaret Benjafield said: “We had a great evening, thanks to the hard work of a large group of people. I hope that everyone enjoyed the show. It’s excellent news that we raised such a large sum, which the Rotary Club will use to support causes in and around Holsworthy.

“Thanks to everyone who supported the Extravaganza.”