Abbey Players - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

I am at an age when I saw all the classic films - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins - when they first came out. And now I am attending stage shows of the same productions, all celebrating their fiftieth anniversary and more.

Last night's production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was staged by Abbey Players, who despite being an amateur theatre company produced a highly professional and entertaining performance.

The company's website tells us that Abbey Players started in 1960 when 22 singers, actors and dancers from various societies in Swansea but mainly made up of members of Uplands Arts Club met in Cwmdonkin House to answer the call of Swansea University who were raising funds for their Development Appeal.

The group decided to perform ‘The Boy Friend’ in the Llewelyn Hall (YMCA) on January 24th to 28th 1961. This was intended as ‘One Off’ performance only but that turned out not to be the case. The Appeal benefited by £200.

They are called the Abbey Players because, not having a rehearsal room readily at their disposal, they rehearsed in Singleton Abbey which was part of the University complex and hence the name ‘Abbey Players’ was conceived.

The website records that Abbey Players did not produce a show in 1962. In 1963 , they produced ‘Salad Days ’and thereafter produced a show every year in the Llewelyn Hall until 1978 when they made the momentous decision to perform in the Grand Theatre with the inaugural show ‘How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ and they have put on a show there every year since.

The old adage of never work with children or animals did not apparently phase the producers of last night's show. The youngsters were outstanding and are clearly very talented. Their adult counterparts were also excellent.

The dog, who is not credited in the programme, was led onto the stage on a lead at appropriate moments looking a bit bewildered but keen to drag its handler into a willing audience where no doubt it would have been petted and fed treats.

The theatre was packed and gave a deserved standing ovation to the large cast at the end. The show runs until Saturday. If you can, go and see it.