A SEASONAL show ? more dedicated to pleasing its audience than pursuing a profit ? has raised enough cash to make a substantial donation to two charities.
The West Devon Music Ministries touring production ?While Shepherds Watched? had, by its last show at Halwill Village Hall last Thursday, made a total of £1,000.
?The purpose wasn?t to raise money but to show the real meaning of Christmas as well as having some fun,? said spokesperson for the production, Chrissie Taylor.
?We aren?t out to build up a bank account so we said any profit would be given away. The profit from the tickets was about £700 and we had a bin for a retiring collection and that amounted to £300.?
This is the first time the group has put on a show and it is hoped there will be a lot more of the same in the future.
Mrs Taylor said the company would be rehearsing again after Easter and it was intended to put on another production in late November and December.
?While Shepherds Watched? was an entertaining musical by Roger Jones and the next production will also feature his work.
Mrs Taylor said the recent production, which featured five performances, had been a great community success. The show had been seen at the Octagon Theatre, Okehampton, Charter Hall, Okehampton, Winkleigh, South Zeal and Halwill.
?It has been wonderful bringing people together because it covers all the denominations. People have come in from everywhere,? said Mrs Taylor.
?There has been a lovely atmosphere. We have had one voice ? no preaching, no theology, just an entertainment that brought people together.?
The £1,000 will be divided equally between Connect, an organisation that partners local churches to serve local communities, and BibleLands, which works in partnership with local Christians in the lands of the Bible.