Tom Jewell, already having achieved fame through his appearances in last year's TV series That'll Teach 'Em, enjoyed pop star acclaim as King Ahab with his imposing stature, good voice and dazzling green and gold robes.

Jezebel's influence leads him to condone idol worship and child sacrifice. The prophet Elijah now emerges to foretell a drought as punishment. Les Morley gives another of his towering performances as the Prophet and the scenes as he is exiled to the desert are full of pathos. All the while we are beguiled with atmospheric music and dancing, crowd scenes and lighting effects. I loved the simple scenery - the high tower from which Jezebel preened herself and plotted evil, the rock altar and Asherah Tree.

With such a huge cast it's difficult to single out performances. The strong singing of David Walker (Obadiah), Ruth Taylor (Abishalom) and Marshall Clements (Elisha) were noteworthy. The dancing and singing of the children were great, and the three who had to play 'Dead' did it brilliantly.

I liked the simulated battle between the Israelites and Syrians to Rossini's William Tell overture. The retribution process grinds on as Ahab is killed in the very vineyard that he and Jezebel coveted and acquired by having its owner Naboth murdered.

One of the important things about this production was the involvement of people from the villages of Churchill, Winscombe and Wrington and its performance at the School at the heart of these communities.

The colour, variety of action and atmosphere are a credit to all concerned and especially the artistic director Julie Kingcott, choreographer Mandy Moy and producer Alison Boreham.

Stephen Newell cast his net wide and reaped a bumper harvest, and with full houses the profits for charity should be significant.

Rosemary Hodges