Colourful Bible tale goes down a storm

HUNDREDS of people turned up to take in a traditional community event.

The fourth annual Penkhull Mysteries attracted visitors from the village and beyond keen to enjoy the latest part of a theatrical staging of a Biblical story.

Roads were closed and performers, morris dancers and musicians walked around in eye-catching costume.

After starting with Adam and Eve four years ago, Saturday's event had reached the story of Solomon and David. Fifty performers of all ages defied rainy weather and muddy conditions at St Thomas's Church green to bring the story to life through theatre, music and song.

Alan Barrett took centre stage as The Whiffler – a narrator linking up scenes and interacting with audience and players.

He said that after months of careful planning and hard work, the performance had been worthwhile.

The professional actor and writer said: “I thought it was brilliant. We had a few hiccups with the weather but everyone had fun and it added to the occasion in some way.

“It was all in the open and the audience were brilliant – they joined in when they wanted and had a laugh.”

Dozens of people gave up hundreds of hours to produce costumes and props, including an enormous Goliath to be slain by young David.

Project director Greg Stephens said the event had gone from strength to strength since its inception.

He said: “I was delighted with it. It was raining so hard that people were laughing and the wind was blowing so hard that people couldn't hear, but we stuck at it and that is how we do it in Penk-hull.”

After the performance, activities including belly dancing and morris dancing entertained people into the evening.

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Mark Fisher opened the event at the end of the show and congratulated the cast.

He said: “In spite of hail, rain, storm and tempest, you have got a fantastic cast and a brilliant audience.

“This is what community activity is all about.”