Rapunzel must be the best pantomime offered in recent years by the Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society, if the opening night on Tuesday was anything to go by.

There were hardly any first night jitters. The sets were solid, beautiful and imaginative. For the first time, the scenery was painted by local artist Tony Coppin, and the results were often enhanced by an intelligent use of a projector on the backdrop.

The production clearly worked, and praise must go to the experienced producer, Sue Millington-Jones.

Everyone on the stage deserved their moment under the lights, but one or two performers stood out.

Splendid make-up and bags of talent made Sally Lewis, as wicked Witch Gothel, a great success. Lucy Peplow as Dizzy, the nice witch, showed great confidence and animation for one so young.

The garden gnomes, Michael Epps and Mark Llewellyn stole the scenes they were in. Indeed the latter gnome raised quite a titter with his perfect impersonations of Frank Spencer.

Both Rapunzels, Isobel Flett, as the younger child and Lindsey Powell, as the older, put in fine performances, as did Paul Graham as the Dame, Matilda Mop. Indeed, he had the best gags, including, "You think my nose is running, but it's not."

The dances and songs were not intrusive, regarding the general flow of the production. Both the senior chorus and the Fairies did themselves proud, under the direction of the four choreographers, Sue Williams, Anne Lucas, Philippa Lucas and Elaine Graham.

Surprisingly, a row and a half of seats were empty on the opening night. But Rapunzel will run until January 26, and tickets, for those deserving a treat, are available from Ledbury Books and Maps in the High Street.

Gary Bills-Geddes