Trio of plays 'Moving On' by Ottery Community Theatre

Under the main title Moving On, this theme certainly ran through each of the three productions all 'home grown' - written, directed, and staged by members of the group.

First up was Top Leaf, by Jennifer Gold, performed by an engaging troupe of younger members, and followed the leaves on a cleverly constructed tree as they weathered the seasons. Initially 'Rude Leaf' was pompous and superior but realised the error of his ways as he tumbled from the 'top' and 'moved on' with the other leaves in the 'fall'.

The Playground highlighted the differences between the various 'mums' as they waited at the school gates to collect their respective offspring.

In this piece by Chelle Walsh, it was the headmistress this time who was 'moving on', and the two snobby ladies certainly got their comeuppance when the new parent they had been casting aspersions on turned out to be none other than the incoming head who had her own innovative plans for the future!

Last up was Pete, by Steve Chapman, a thought-provoking piece where three people had been dispatched to their maker due to differing circumstances.

All were greeted along the way by a figure dressed totally in white who explained what had occurred and encouraged them all to make a positive transition and 'move on' from this world to the next.

Of course, Pete was none other than St Peter of the 'pearly gates' who appeared in a most impressive pair of angel’s wings at the end!

An amazing amount of teamwork had obviously gone into these productions, with an abundance of excellent costumes and props. Everything was simply staged, but the backstage team still worked their socks off particularly in Pete manoeuvring the very impressive car with its personalised number plate BA 22 OSM – great stuff!

A delicious ploughman’s supper was served during the evening and raffle proceeds were donated to Recycling in Ottery which gives tremendous support to the local Community. Another success for OCT!