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Xmas Show Ho Ho, Highcliffe Charity Players, St Mark’s Hall, Highcliffe

HO Ho became Oh Oh at the Saturday performance of this seasonal entertainment when compere David Gillard made a dramatic, albeit unscheduled, descent from the stage into the auditorium. But in true professional style he recovered his composure immediately and, with no more than his pride slightly dented, led the audience through the evening’s singalong carols. And no, he hadn’t been at the mulled wine – that didn’t arrive until the interval.

We were also treated to X(mas) Factor, giving the extremely talented members of the company the chance to perform the likes of Fairy Tale of New York, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Christmas Time, All I Want For Christmas is You and Boogie Woogie Santa Claus to an on-screen Simon Cowell, his appearance somewhat enhanced by Neil Mathieson’s brilliant graphics.

Sandwiched between the two was David Tristram’s Last Panto in Little Grimley, in which the members of a local amdram group attempt to put on a performance of Dick Whittington – sorry, Whissingson – with chaotic results.

There’s no chaos though where HCP is concerned, and this show proved, as ever, that they are one of the most talented and hard-working groups in the area, and no mean fund-raisers to boot.

Linda Kirkman

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