THE Bere community enjoyed a picnic to celebrate spring at the Belinda O'Flyn Theatre in Bere Ferrers.

In fact it was an indoor picnic — The Buggins' Picnic. Set in 1930 it was a comic, one-act play by Mabel Constanduros and Michael Hogan, directed by Jane Hamlyn and was well supported and enjoyed over three days in April.

The stage was set with memorabilia, authentic props, metal primus, mugs, tuck boxes and wicker boxes.

Veteran actor Graham Hodgson was in his element as Mr Buggins. The crochety grandmother was played by Jane Hamlyn, with sisters Kate and Niamh acting as the impish children of overworked mother Helen Smith.

Following the amusing playlet, the audience tucked into their own freshly prepared picnics.

Monica Mitchell introduced the musical entertainment.

Harpist Fionnuala Perry performed relaxing melodic music, an Irish tune The Coulin, followed by music of the 17th century by O'Carolan which contrasted well with a miscellany of Paraguayan tunes.

Local Lizzie Spiers accompanied herself on guitar performing old favourites of the 1930s, blues, jazz and swing numbers such as Lazy Bones, Sleeping in the Sun, Stormy Weather and Georgia on My Mind were featured.

A variety of local musicians performed over the three days, including Fionnuala Perry (harpist), Blue Moon, Becka and Tim Hamlyn, Lizzie Spiers, and 'Hazy Recollections' performed mellow music from Cornwall.

They comprised Nichola Baker (vocals and xylophone), Gordon Brant (vocals and guitar) and Liz Bracey-Davis (ukelele and guitar).

Jane Hamlyn thanked all who came and her production team who were stage manager Caroline Clark, deputy stage manager Millie Kelly, lighting Steve Jackson, sound effects Sally Baxter, prompt Maggie Carwtright, front of house Margaret Willmott, props and costumes the cast and crew, and posters, programmes and tickets Bev Slaughter.