THE Playhouse's 30th birthday celebrations lived up to all it promised to be a theatrical showcase of some of the best actors, dancers, musicians, singers and performers in Harlow, writes Eleanor Scotchbrook.

The show started with a sneak preview of this year's panto, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

If the merry men's rendition of It's Raining Men, Chain Reaction and Night Fever was anything to go by this panto will be as successful, if not more so, than those performed in the past.

Their entertaining and cleverly reworded medley was a great start to the show.

Echo Sparks' intriguing and visually exciting performance was one of the highlights of the gala.

Performed by dancers from the Makin' Steps School of Dance and Performing Arts, it was original, well choreographed and left the audience asking 'how on earth did they do that?'.

It was a wonderful example of using innovative techniques to push the boundaries of theatre to its limit.

Beginners to Stage's extract from Willy Russell's play Our Day Out was just one example of the young, raw talent in the town.

Gritty and realistic, the young performers captured the reality of school life and growing up.

Consenting Adults' excerpt from Elsie and Norm's Macbeth was a refreshing look at Shakespeare in today's world.

It was funny, clever and appealing even to those not so well versed in the play, although a stuffed panda almost stole the show!

The energy and precision of the young Irish dancers from the Brenda Taylor School of Dance and Performing Arts was captivating.

Their seemingly effortless movements and enthusiasm for dance was breathtaking and I was exhausted just watching them.

Harlow should be proud that there is such a wealth of talent in the town.

It was as much a celebration of the theatre's history as the talent it has nurtured and support over the years.

Long may it continue.

November 6, 2001 17:53