A VARIETY night will take place at Middle Woodford Village Hall.

As part of a long tradition, believed to date back more than a hundred years, the Woodford Valley Players will perform once again over the course of four nights, beginning Wednesday, January 24.

Featuring a mixture of singing, dancing and spoken word theatre, the show is an annual event that invariably captures the hearts of the local community in the depths of the dark winter months.

Last year’s production, entitled 'Coronation Capers', featured musical theatre, sketches, songs and monologues, including a wacky synchronised slapstick number.

This year’s performance, which is called ‘Cold Nights, Brights Lights: A Woodford Valley Spectacular’, follows a similar format of new material with a variety of short acts to keep the audience entertained and amused.

The production stars residents from both within the valley and the surrounding areas.

Last year's performance was featured in the Journal by Frogg Moody, whose uncle and aunt were in the show back in the 50s and 60s.

Frogg said "Because of my historical family connection to the show, I wanted to go last year to show my respect and to support the local community. I was not expecting such a high quality and range of acts, and as a result am going again this year.

"Being a Monty Python fan I was particularly pleased that a couple of my favourite scenes from their films had by chance been included. It was a riot and I am looking forward to seeing what’s in store this time round."

Sarah Coate has been a resident of Upper Woodford for more than 30 years, she said "Since the village hall was renovated with government funding about 15 years ago, there has been a show of sorts nearly every year.

"Sometimes, pantomime, sometimes, play, and more recently variety show. We have been to them all because they are always such fun, and put a smile on people’s faces at just the right time of year."

This year’s performance will be running over four nights from Wednesday, January 24 to Saturday, January 27.

Tickets for the show can be found here.