Presented by Ormskirk and Aughton u3a Musical Theatre Group at Aughton Village Hall on Saturday 29th November 2025

I must admit I was asked to do this review by a friend. I had not seen a u3a production before so the ingredients instantly pictured were older Amateur actors performing on a Village stage with all the perceived limitations. To put politely "This could be two hours of my life I am never going to get back" 

However, I must be honest and genuinely confess that within the first ten minutes of this production the stereotypical pictures in my head were being washed away by a torrent of enthusiasm, skill and joy.

The set, lighting, perfect period costumes, wigs and make-up combined with palpable energy and obvious Dramatic experience opened the portal to an unexpected high quality night of Theatre. 

To sit down with a blank piece of paper or computer screen and create a cohesive play plot with music and dance that can engage an audience for two hours takes bravery, imagination, creativity, and a complete understanding of theatrical logistics. 

I am told this Group (Aughton & Ormskirk u3a Musical Theatre Group) produce consistent high quality original material, this time from the pen of Gill O’Flaherty who also directed and choreographed. 

The Newel Post (I had to look it up) is the main, often ornate post at the bottom of stairs. In stately homes a statement of grandeur and wealth; in this musical it evokes a sense of mystery, spirit and connection with the past. 

The Players were:

Georgina Fitzpatrick - Sue Hardiker
Penelope Sanders - June Beswick
Lord Edmond Ballard - Paul Riding
Artemis - John Hardiker 
Helena Tour Guide - Yvonne Bailey 
Mrs Derbyshire - Dorothy Prothero 
Servants - Gaynor Hale, Maureen Morris, Gill O’Flaherty
Witches - Gaynor, Maureen, Dorothy, Elaine Olverson
Witch Pricker - Yvonne
Witchfinder General - Pete Beswick
Satan - Gill

The Story follows the fortunes of Georgie a newly qualified Doctor who is given a visit to a stately home as a present from her best friend Penny. During the visit they are separated from the tour and find themselves back in the 16th century having been teleported through the mysterious Newel Post. 

Here they meet Lord Edmond Ballad and his friend and protector Artemis. 
Georgie learnt that the earl’s father is very ill; despite having the knowledge, the medication is not available to save him. It does not go unnoticed by the staff, particularly Mrs Derbyshire and Betty, that Edmond and Artemis are falling in love with the girls. 

Suspecting witchcraft Mrs Derbyshire and the staff open the door to a very dark world of witches, and demons. 

Fortunately, when the ladies are about to fall into the hands of the evil Witchfinder General, they are rescued by their handsome and dashing heroes.

Sadness follows when reality strikes and the pair realise they have to return to their present lives through the portal. 

However, there is a twist and the musical ends happily with a warm and feel-good finale.

When everyone is believable and dedicated in their characters it is difficult to pick stand out performances in such a magical quirky production. The whole production was confidently performed. Choreography was slick and the dancing style perfectly matching the story.

I particularly liked the West Side Story harmony, the amazing hypnotic cauldron and Satanic Dance by Gill O’Flaherty. June Beswick's rendition of "Wishing you were here again" and the very realistic sword fight. 

Well deserved, genuine applause from a full house. A triumph for all involved. 

Lauren Frances Williams