PORLOCK Village Hall was transformed into a riot of colour, laughter, and circus magic as the Porlock Pantomime and Drama Society brought ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ to life.

This year’s production, strongly directed by Tim Nixon from Tom Whalley’s script, was a joyous celebration of community theatre, brimming with energy and infectious fun.

The entire cast shone, but two performances truly stole the show.

Imogen Gardner as Silly Billy dazzled with confident stage presence, comic timing, and effortless rapport with the audience.

Gardner’s ability to lead songs, deliver punchlines, and orchestrate audience participation made Silly Billy the beating heart of the pantomime, a masterclass in pantomime charm.

Equally outstanding was Andrew Smith as Dame Gertie Dollop.

Smith lit up the stage with quick wit, hilarious audience interaction, and brilliant improvisation.

The Dame’s ongoing banter with the prompt (Jan Rooke) became a running joke throughout the evening, with Smith’s quick comebacks and playful asides leaving the audience in fits of laughter.

This extra layer of humour and spontaneity elevated the show and showcased Smith’s skill as a performer.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came during the uproarious road signs scene, featuring Dame Gertie, Silly Billy, and a collection of increasingly ridiculous signposts which had the audience in stitches, with Gardner and Smith bouncing off each other’s energy.

The scene’s perfectly timed gags were a highlight, demonstrating the chemistry between the cast and their ability to keep the audience laughing from start to finish.

Others to note included:

From the opening number, the atmosphere was electric, full of anticipation, laughter, and a sense of shared fun.

The circus setting, colourful costumes, and lively choreography (notably by Alex Gardner and Imogen Gardner) created a world that was both magical and inviting.

The technical crew, including Pete Marlton on lighting and Clive Longhurst on sound, ensured every moment was perfectly lit and timed, while smooth scene changes kept the action flowing seamlessly.

Follow spots operated by Jack Gardner and Linda Marton added flair, while scene changes were flawlessly managed by Nigel and Sue Lamacraft, Roman Ross, and Amber Buckingham.

What truly set this production apart was its vibrant community spirit.

It was wonderful to see cast members of all ages doubling up as clowns and to see enthusiastic newcomers within the group.

The sheer fun and enjoyment radiating from the performers was infectious, and the audience responded with continuous laughter and applause.

Many declared it the funniest panto they had ever seen, a testament to the hard work, heart, and camaraderie poured in by everybody involved.

Porlock Pantomime and Drama Society’s ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ was a triumph of local amateur theatre, joyous, hilarious, and brimming with talent, unforgettable scenes, and a magical atmosphere,e.

In true fairy tale fashion, it was a pantomime that was ‘just right’.

Well done to all the cast and crew.

JD

ADDITIONAL funding is available to help residents lower their energy bills thanks to a £1 million Department for Energy Security and Net Zero grant to Somerset Council.

The ‘Warm Homes: Local Grant’ scheme helps homeowners and private rental residents save money on energy bills by retrofitting their homes.

Retrofitting refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency, making them easier to heat, able to retain that heat for longer, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy.

The extra funding supplements £6 million already allocated for distribution by the council over a three-year period up to March 31, 2028.

The grants are means-tested, and residents can check if they are eligible and apply by searching ‘retrofit and energy efficiency’ on the council's website.

The types of measures which can be installed using the grant include insulation for floors, walls, and lofts, door and window replacements, ventilation, solar panels, air source heat pumps, and storage heaters.

AVON and Somerset Police are promoting awareness of the Herbert protocol, which is a dementia safeguarding scheme.

People can register a loved one for a free wristband, hangtag, and lanyard to help safeguard them if they are found out wandering.

If they have one of the items on them, then they can be scanned with a smartphone to locate the details of next of kin with a request to call police for assistance.

Registration can be completed online by searching ‘Avon and Somerset Dementia’ on a web browser and then filling in a form to receive a registration pack.

AN Iona Holy Community Service was held in All Saints’ Church, Wootton Courtenay, last Sunday (February 22) using one of the Iona Community’s liturgies for Holy Communion, including space for quiet contemplation enhanced by music.

The Iona Community was founded in Glasgow in 1938 by the Rev George MacLeod, a veteran of World War One and a visionary and a social reformer who believed that Christian faith should be the motivation for action.

Based on this conviction, he initiated the rebuilding of the accommodation of the abbey on the island of Iona and it became the home of trainee ministers and unemployed labourers from Glasgow.

There, they lived, worked, and worshipped side by side as a faith community.

Now, the Iona Community is known throughout the world as a community which is dedicated to prayer in action.

Those living in the community live a life inspired by the Benedictines and the Columban Celtic tradition - St Columbus was an Irish saint who is credited with the conversion of the Scottish to Christianity in the 6th century.

To this day, the community’s team of resource workers continue to renew and reshape the worship of local congregations and church networks throughout the world.

THE charity Re-engage is looking for volunteer hosts in the West Somerset area to help older people who are living alone feel valued, supported, and connected to their community.

Its monthly tea parties take place on the first Sunday of each month and offer a friendly, relaxed space for guests to enjoy conversation, companionship, and a warm welcome.

As a host, you would welcome a small group of guests and their volunteer drivers into your home for an afternoon of tea, cake, and chat.

You would only be required to host once or twice a year, and you do not need to do anything ‘fancy’, just provide a welcoming atmosphere and light refreshments.

The tea parties can make a huge difference to people who may otherwise feel isolated.

Local organiser Renata Uraky said: “If you would like to be part of this truly rewarding scheme, we would love to hear from you.

“Please contact me on 07759 794063 or visit the website if you would like to find out more.”

A NEW plaster chair is being celebrated in Minehead Hospital, funded by the league of friends.

The new equipment will support the hospital’s busy urgent treatment centre (UTC), improving comfort for patients and ensuring staff can work safely and efficiently.

The previous plaster chair had served the team for many years and even made the move from the old Minehead Hospital building.

Its replacement marks a significant upgrade in both design and practicality.

Rachel Stoneham, speaking on behalf of the UTC, said: “A plaster chair is a must-have piece of equipment for our department.

“The previous chair was like part of the family and has seen many treatments, procedures, and plasters over the years.

“It moved from the old Minehead hospital with us and was in much need of replacement.

“The new chair is lovely, easy to clean, allows comfort for the patient and correct manual handing for the staff.

“We are grateful to the league of friends for once again helping us to provide a high standard of care and improving the working environment.”

League chairman Mandy Chilcott said: “We are pleased to have provided the new plaster chair.

“Each year, we support a wide range of funding applications that benefit Minehead Hospital patients and staff.

“We are very grateful for every donation that we receive, this continued community support drives all that the league is able to achieve.”