The history of theatrical productions in Pilton Church Hall goes back to at least 1923-24 and the play ‘Oliver’.  There’s a photograph on the archive.  The last play produced there was Noèl Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’ by Lord Basil’s Reformers in the autumn of 2014 and they also performed for a very successful Murder Mystery Evening ‘Who Killed the Hotel Manager?’ in December 2015.

The last pantomime produced in Pilton was ‘Cinderella’ in 2013 in the Green Man – but now Pilton Panto is back in its old home – Pilton Church Hall – being produced by Pilton Theatre Productions.  The plan is to put on a panto every February Half Term and this year’s is ‘Aladdin’, adapted and directed by Lee Smith.  It can be seen from 18th – 20th February.  This first production is being financially supported by the Pilton Green Man Day Committee and details of times and tickets can be found on www.piltonfestival.co.uk.

Since 2001, a Lord Basil’s Invitational XI (seen below in 2014), based in The Reform Inn in Pilton, has played cricket against south-west opposition for the Lord Basil Trophy – a beautiful carved wooden pint glass on a small plinth.  Over the years the trophy has been won by Lord Basil’s XI themselves, and also by The Corner House, The Lord’s Leftovers, The Royal Portland Arms, The Oddfellows Arms, The Royal Standard and, last year’s winners, The Windsor Arms in Bradiford.

Lord Basil's Invitational XI in 2014

This year’s match is away on Saturday August 29th against The Old Ship Inn in Upwey, Dorset.  Good luck everyone and have a great weekend as well as playing some enjoyable and winning cricket.