A SHARP shower just before it began did not deter people from turning out to line Crediton town square to watch the latest offering by Crediton Arts Centre as part of Christmas in Crediton.

The picnic tables with benches were around, seats having been turned up to stay dry. It was estimated around 100 people were there to watch the first performance at 2pm on Saturday, December 12, with more at the second performance at 4pm.

This was the story of Baba Yaga, a young Russian girl with an affinity with the natural world on the edge of a forest.

But as in all folk tales, there is a wicked witch, Baba Yaga who lives in the forest. How the girl, Maroosia, is helped to outwit the witch with help from her bird friends made for a good tale with some amazing puppet work.

How the actors managed to avoid all the puddles on the newly-resurfaced town square was no small feat either. It was a good performance from all and a perfect short break on a December Saturday afternoon.

The story was adapted and directed by Peter Hamilton, Arts Centre director, and staged with the support of Crediton Town Council and the Arts Centre’s business sponsors.

At the start of the show Peter also thanked Jack Robson of the Arts Centre for his help and support and who had made sure there were events staged from September.

Puppet makers were Lindy Yellowlees, Yvonne Crone and Hilary Hamilton. Musicians were James Cookson and Paul Whittall with music between the two shows by the Wee Free Men and Triffles.

Actors were Nell Hodgson as Maroosia, Jenny Start, Roger Werner, Beth Robson and Georgia Hill. Puppeteers were Glen Chudley, Archie Whittall and Lindy Yellowlees.