September 28 2012.

By Amanda Wilkins.


Meeching Amateur Dramatics never fail to give Newhaven audiences a good show and have staged some excellent productions in the past, but their 2012 Autumn choice of a second Music Hall of Fun was one of the best yet, as it provided something for everyone and was a very entertaining evening.

Keith Johnson was an excellent Master of Ceremonies and also fulfilled the roles of the ringmaster in the first half and the irreverent vicar in the second.

The show opened with Gibbo's Circus, which was very funny, the highlight had to be Garry Fowler resplendent in silver jacket and shorts and knee length silver boots. He also has legs any lady would die for.

It then moved into the throbbing sounds of Mexico, complete with sombreros and excellent dancing from the MAD ladies.

After a siesta we moved into Childhood, with a hilarious Andy Pandy sketch, with MAD's famous double act of Edd Ginn as Andy Pandy and Garry Fowler as a miserable Loopy Lou, plus a drunken Teddy whose identity was never revealed. Those of us who remember Andy Pandy really enjoyed this sketch.

A pleasant interlude in the second half was provided by the talented pianist Margaret Farmiloe, who also sang three songs and has a beautiful voice.

The final part of this Music Hall was set in the Emerald Isle, with lots of audience participation in the well-known songs such as Tied up in a Black Velvet Band and the Irish Rover. The highlight of this - and of the whole show was Edd Ginn as a tiny leprechaun, very cleverly done and the expression of his face throughout the various dances was a picture.

This was so enjoyable I hope there will soon be a Mad Music Hall of Fun 3.


The Mad Music Hall of Fun 2 continues tonight and tomorrow night at Meeching Hall, Newhaven. Tickets £8.00 from Meeching Estate Agents, High Street, Newhaven, Tel. 01273 515566 or contact Tony on 07912 965507. The show starts at 7.45pm but the doors open at 7.00pm for a pre-show drink.