WHAT'S ON: Bawtry

AUDIENCE WANTED MORE: Like the main character in Bawtry Amateur Dramatic Society’s (BADS) latest production, Oliver, the audience at the Phoenix Theatre was left asking for more after the spectacular opening night performance. The cast of all ages which numbered more than 30 people included members of the theatre’s young players, boys and girls from Bawtry Mayflower Primary School, BADS senior actors and actresses along with a real life dog. The opening number, Food Glorious Food, set in the workhouse during which Oliver, a role shared during the week by Jacob Crofts and Oakley Knighton, asked for more gruel, got the evening off to a flying start. Director and choreographer Chloe Whitehouse, who also played the part of Nancy, producer Tony Jones and musical director Alan Cropley and the BADS team staged the lavish show that was the biggest and most colourful ever at the Station Road venue. On the night there were standout performances by Oakley Knighton as Oliver whose singing of Where Is Love? pulled at the heartstrings and from Steve Kellett as criminal Fagin with his rendition of Reviewing The Situation. Will Wheatley as Bill Sikes delivered a suitably threatening version of My Name while Artful Dodger Alex Moseley, who shared the role during the week with Lewis Conway, turned in a cheeky version of Consider Yourself. Harworth’s Chloe Whitehouse was surely born to play the role of Sike’ lover Nancy. Her energetic dancing throughout and her singing of a number of songs that included As Long As He Needs Me were among the many highlights of the night. The playing of Alan Cropley on piano, organ and synthesiser contributed greatly to the success of the show and the well-trained obedient performance of terrier Bullseye, played by Taz, added realism. The evening culminated in the realistic violent scene in which Bill Sikes murdered Nancy on London Bridge after which Sikes was chased by the mob and shot and killed by the police was a prelude to the entire company coming together for a joyous, rousing audience participation grand finale. This was the first musical that has been staged by BADS at the Phoenix for some years and on this showing they will hopefully not wait as long before staging another one.

INCREASED PARKING PLACES: There will be an increase in the number of car parking spaces available in Bawtry now that the former site of the bottling plant and agricultural grain store that lies adjacent to Tickhill Road is to be used as a public car park. The factory was purchased by local businessman Jason Cooper. The 30,900 sq ft area that includes a Grade II-listed barn has spaces for around 150 vehicles that are to be parked inside the building and outside. The cost of parking is £5 per day or £20 per week. Motorists using the car park each working day for a month will receive a free car wash at the site that is being run by local man Byron Pagin.

SPORTS DAY COMING: The annual Bawtry Sports Day organised by Bawtry Action for Recreation and Sport (BARS) is on June 4. Chairman of BARS Matthew Brearley said: “Once again there will be something for everyone, young and old. As well as the usual stalls and sideshows there will be the return of Doncaster Concert Band to entertain at the Memorial Sports Ground, South Parade. There will be foot races for children and for all the family as well as the annual Bawtry Jubilee Cup football six-a-side competition, which this year will be kicking off early to account for the increased number of teams that want to participate. Once again there will be the popular coconut stall and welly throwing contest. Refreshments on offer will include a hog roast, cake stall, sweeties and a host of other goodies. BARS on the lookout for volunteers to organise the children’s races, in which there will be prizes for all entrants, and to help with the grand raffle.” Contact Matthew Brearley 01302 710944 or Anita Love 07726872282.

FASHION PARTY: This year’s annual Bawtry Fashion Week closed with a special event on March 17. The end of seven days of fashion was celebrated with an after show party at Bawtry Bar and Brassiere and Coleman’s Pizzeria and Steakhouse, High Street.

EASTER CELEBRATIONS: The annual Easter celebrations got underway in Bawtry on Palm Sunday (March 20) with the Bawtry Churches Together family service 10.30am in St Nicholas Parish Church, followed by a communal lunch. Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday (March 24) in church 9.30am.

HOLY WEEK EXHIBITION: Holy Week is being marked at St Nicholas Parish Church with an exhibition of artwork. A display of 14 paintings depicting Jesus’ journey in Holy Week will be on show in the Church Street building. The free admission event until March 26 runs each day 11am-4pm.

CLERICAL VACANCY: The management committee at Bawtry New Hall, Peakes Croft off Station Road is on the look out for a new clerk. The position includes the duties of minute-taking at the six meetings each year, record keeping, obtaining quotations and dealing with correspondence. The position carries a small honorarium. Contact Jean Cox 01302 711143.

ROYAL CLEAN UP: DMBC’s Bawtry and Rossington ward councillor Rachel Blake organised a Clean for the Queen event. The nationwide initiative that is aimed at tidying up towns, villages and cities across the country is being held as part of celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday that will be officially marked in June.