THE excited chatter of an enthusiastic audience, all filled with expectation, heralded the start of another Magical Tots Theatre presentation in Holsworthy.

The Magical Tots “aim to inspire children to explore the world of dance and performing arts. They ignite a love for learning, support school readiness and give every child a platform to shine. Through fun creative experiences, children build confidence, coordination and social skills in a supportive environment.”

Eighty dancers from across eight venues in Devon and Cornwall took to the stage, showcasing performers from the Magical Tots’ multi‑award‑winning toddler and early years dance classes, theatre classes and cheerleading club.

The performance was titled ‘Books versus films - a magical adventure’.

Jacky Parker attended the event held by the group, which was hosted by the Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society’s venue in the town.

Jacky said: “The show featured children aged 18 months to 11 years old, celebrating their talent, confidence and love for performing.

“How these little artists exploded into life and energy was breathless and everyone was filled with such delight as each programme item winged through a stimulating afternoon. Can you imagine the thoughts of those endearing little creatures as they confronted this huge expanse of cheering adults in the auditorium?

“I’ve forgotten what comes next – why is everything going so fast – the music is too loud, I’ll put my fingers in my ears – no, I don’t want to bow – I’m going to do my own steps to this dance – I’m going off the stage now, but look I’m back again – I’m not going, you will have to carry me off – forget the dance I am mesmerised by the sea of faces out there – I think I will stand and watch for a while.

“One baby bear needed Mum on stage to finish her performance and Mum happily engaged – of course her contribution gained enormous applause from the audience.

“This show vibrated with professional expertise. The hours of organisation demanded to present a performance of this nature are endless. Besides the script preparation, constantrehearsal times and encouragement of each individual or group there are all the accompanying demands of monitoring children back stage, costume changes, stopping the tears, disciplined behaviour, feeding the hungry, ensuring entrances were not delayed and doing it all with a smile.

“The range of costumes, fitting so well with each magical song was quite outstanding. There are very few theatres in this country that could achieve this same level of excellence, even at an adult level and certainly not for children.

“I was particularly impressed by the vibrancy of energetic majorettes and the beautiful performance of Do-Re-Mi from the Sound of Music. I know how much hard work this entailed.

“The joyous finale and the joyful audience response was breath-taking. Cast and audience gyrated to I’m a believer with all the passion of special magical moments fulfilled. Well done to Miss Amy, Miss Roisin and Miss Sophie for providing us with an afternoon of such magnificent splendour.”