A MAD bunch have taken to the stage again in Liphook.

The occasion was the 25th pantomime undertaken by the village’s Methodist Amateur Dramatic (MAD) Company at the Bohunt Centre during the school half-term holiday.

Written by Vanessa Breach, pantomime audiences were treated to numerous magical sets, plenty of fabulous costumes, an array of funny characters, and a selection of legendary singalong songs.

In the village of Caramel, owner of the village bakery Dame Eccles (David Jenner), a fan of the Great British Bake Off, could barely keep her hands off Cooper the Barrel-maker (Kevin Stephenson).

Causing even more trouble by making an extravagant promise to the ineffectual King Marzipan (Tony Robinson) and his money-loving diva wife Queen Madeleine (Mandy Coluccia), she swore that her daughter Victoria (Becca McGregor) could solve all their money worries by turning straw into gold.

Desperate to marry the dashing Prince Florentine (Arran Treacher Evans), Victoria made a deal with a magical chap by the name of Rumpelstiltskin (Caroline Thompson), but there was a price to pay for his help - the future royal baby!

Unless someone could guess the name of the evil chap, he would take the baby away. Thankfully, friendly Simple Simon (Grace Jenner) could “talk to the animals” and with the help of lovely Buttercup the Cow (Bethany Leybourne) was able to save the day.

Aided and abetted by Farmer Scrumpy (Mick Selly), Postman Patsy (Fiona McGregor) and Reverend Fruitcake (Mandy Godridge), Rumpelstiltskin was banished forever.

From five bake-off-themed costumes modelled by Dame Eccles to the most sparkly golden dress a princess has ever worn, through to 1920s flapper dresses, ballroom scenes out of Downton Abbey and glow-in-the-dark skeletons, the show was a true feast for the senses.

The adult chorus, under the direction of Sue Calvert, kept the show dancing along, from the opening number through feather boas, tuneful harmonies, and a 1920s-inspired Charleston, while the junior chorus provided a full marching band complete with instruments, an angelic set of choristers and a charming rendition as little miners in the goldmine.

MAD company director Vanessa said: "This year we celebrated our silver anniversary and it’s fair to say that we love it as much today as when we started in 1992 with our first production, Cinderella, put together on an absolute shoestring!

“Since then the MAD company has gone from strength to strength, with some of the original founding group still involved.

“Our productions are a true team effort and every year I thank the many people who put their time, energy and myriad skills into producing our shows. The sense of family within the MAD company makes working together an absolute pleasure.

“Some of the families within our company have three generations involved in the production, spanning the years with a joyful shared experience.  

“I was immensely proud of our show this year, as every year, the children are always a particular joy.

“We are already looking forward to our next production and if anyone would like to become involved – please drop us a line. 

“Every year we hope to attract new people, both on stage and behind the scenes, as we love our company evolving.”

To get involved, call Vannessa on 01428 722813 or e-mail to [email protected].