It promised to be a celebration of the life and work of a gifted amateur dramatics president - and it did not disappoint!

The Aylsham Players presents Another Blinkin' Variety Show was a delightful collection of comedy, dance, music, and drama.

Set in Aylsham Town Hall, the show featured scripts, skits, and snippets of the finest material written by the late Becky Hilton, who died in October 2020.

Eastern Daily Press: Aylsham Players cast: Tasha Overton, Anna Southgate, and Bex Townsend in The Cleaning Ladies sketchAylsham Players cast: Tasha Overton, Anna Southgate, and Bex Townsend in The Cleaning Ladies sketch (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)

It is clear to see why those who connected with her described Hilton as the "shining light" of Norfolk’s amateur dramatics scene.

The Aylsham Players poured their hearts and soul into this production and did its lifetime president, who spent 20 years with the group, proud. There were also special appearances from Sutton School of Dancing as well as performances from additional local performers.

Eastern Daily Press: Emily Sidnell singing Eva Cassidy's SongbirdEmily Sidnell singing Eva Cassidy's Songbird (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)

Highlights included the stunning vocals of Emily Sidnell performing Eva Cassidy’s Songbird, as well as humorous productions of the black-comedy duologue Maternal, an adapted version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, full-length performance of the hilarious play The Pageant, and an upbeat ABBA medley for the finale.

The real icing on the cake though was the never-before-heard literary work by Hilton; audiences were treated to an exclusive reading from her unfinished novel, Read the Label. Although only an early draft, Hilton’s talent for comic timing and setting a scene remained clearly evident even off the stage.

Eastern Daily Press: Aylsham Players cast: The Wonderful Wizard of OzAylsham Players cast: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)

It was an absolute joy to be able to watch this special show and see amateur dramatics at the heart of its community once again.

If you missed seeing the show, streaming tickets are still available via Eventbrite at aylsham-players-another-blinkin-variety-show.eventbrite.co.uk and the production will be available to watch on-demand until Tuesday, May 31.

Eastern Daily Press: Aylsham Players cast: Emily Sidnell, Tracey Overton, and Vicki Sidnell in The Supermarket CheckoutAylsham Players cast: Emily Sidnell, Tracey Overton, and Vicki Sidnell in The Supermarket Checkout (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)

Streaming tickets are £10 and the proceeds will go towards securing the future of the Aylsham Players.

  • Another Blinkin’ Variety Show was performed at Aylsham Town Hall on May 13 and 14. The review show was watched on the afternoon of May 14.

Eastern Daily Press: Aylsham Players cast: Hannah Whelan singing in The PageantAylsham Players cast: Hannah Whelan singing in The Pageant (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)

Eastern Daily Press: Host Lewis Buxton talking to the audienceHost Lewis Buxton talking to the audience (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)

Eastern Daily Press: Aylsham Players cast: Leah Colebrooke singing in The Wonderful Wizard of OzAylsham Players cast: Leah Colebrooke singing in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)

Eastern Daily Press: Aylsham Players cast: Leah Colebrooke singing in The Wonderful Wizard of OzAylsham Players cast: Leah Colebrooke singing in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)

Eastern Daily Press: Aylsham Players cast: Sue Smith, Angela Arscott, and Tracey Overton as The Ladies of A.A.GAylsham Players cast: Sue Smith, Angela Arscott, and Tracey Overton as The Ladies of A.A.G (Image: Aylsham Players / Norwich Live Streaming)