The production was delivered with style, fantastic singing voices and bags of enthusiasm, ensuring the dark story of the young boy and his pet kestrel was told in all its glory.

It’s not a cheerful storyline and Ryan Quick in the lead role as Billy Casper delivered his lines and songs with such class and feeling there were few dry eyes in the house.

Slick changes of scenery — every credit to those behind the scenes for superb sets — a fantastic supporting cast, particularly Moyra Welch as Billy’s mum and Martin Foster as Billy’s brother, Jud, gave director Kathleen Ashworth every reason to be proud and truly vindicated in choosing to stage this massive production.

The tale is set in the early 1960s. Times are hard in the Casper household and young Billy’s life is a miserable affair — until he meets his kestrel, Kes.

Although there wasn’t a live bird on stage, audience members were delighted to meet a live kestrel and owl brought in by the Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary where staff had helped cast members research kestrels for the show.

It would be far easier for an amateur company to stage a less complicated production but what joy they must get from working so hard on such a complicated musical as this and then seeing it so well received by the audience.

Full marks to everyone for a job very well done.

Gayle McBain