True, it was largely made up of parents, brothers, sisters, cousins and aunts of the performers. Guaranteed applause but very much deserved.
First up was the junior drama group – and there were a few real tiddlers in the ranks – who presented a potted version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, with some distinctly unbard-like but funny changes to the script ... in about 14 minutes flat.

Even in a hacked down state this is quite a daunting prospect for any young group. Rehearsal room slickness can go out of the window in an instant. There were the expected stutters, momentary lapses of memory and a few looks and nudges that ask "What do we do next?" but, like Daisy, they pulled it off and did a nice job, putting in a lot of effort. Most of them got their voices to hit the back wall of the auditorium, too, including one girl who had to scream. Wow, did she scream! Probably one of the loudest and best ever heard in the Guildhall.

It is unusual to talk about good individual performances at this level – the 'aaah' and cute factors have to be dispensed with - but that of Fraya Wood, as Puck, was particularly noteworthy as she displayed fine dramatic movement and an understanding of the character.

There followed three dances from the dance group. The youngsters really gave it a go in their lively interlude – a five-minute programme that contained some complex movements. The second piece from the seniors seemed less energetic with performers simply going through a series of learned movements rather than living them, but they came good in the third work. Masks, tail coats, white gloves, stark lighting, neat ideas and almost grotesque swirling shapes combining to produce a truly excellent dance that drew great appreciation and was undoubtedly the highlight of the show.

The second half was devoted to the senior drama group's enterprising concept of a rehearsal of Macbeth.

They perhaps didn't quite make enough of what essentially was a very good idea – too much Macbeth the play and too little of the rehearsal aspect, in which the fun dialogue was to be found.

Nevertheless it didn't detract from a worthy effort. Kayleigh Brewster particularly showed great poise as Lady Macbeth, and Rachel McCombie, Becky Young and Josh Noon were excellent as the witches. Josh, who took on a further two roles, is developing into a fine all-round performer.

Although not without its faults and a few frailties, the evening was a pretty tidy piece of entertainment.

There will be a reprise from the junior groups at tomorrow night's (Wednesday) performance and in the second half the intermediate drama group will perform their version of Twelfth Night, in which director Fiona Kimberley has a role.

It will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets at £4 (£3) are available from the box office (Tel: 01476 406158).