Billed as ‘a rather silly melodrama’, the production requires major audience participation with booing, cheering and ‘singing loudly with your mouth full’ not only approved by activity encouraged. The audience is also expected to provide the sound effects, but don’t worry there will be people with signboards to prompt you.

The production has already been cast with actors now madly learning their lines before rehearsals get underway next month, under the experienced directorial hand of Grant Fickel. Mr Finkel was last in town tutoring actors in the Shakespearean plays, and is returning for three days of rehearsal in each of three weeks preceding opening night, to knock the production into shape. Several of his proteges from the Shakespeare workshops also appear in Capt. Thunderbox, progressing their drama skills.

Caleb Moylan has a starring role as Capt. Thunderbox, with Kevin Stantin assuming the role of the doddery old postmaster. Producer Peter Harris said there will also be a few new faces on stage.

Grant Ovenden authored the play, with inspiration from local bushranger Captain Thunderbolt but Mr Harris said the play in no way is meant to be a history lesson.

“It’s silly fun,” he said, “and the children will be having a good time developing their characters.”

The format will be theatre restaurant, with patrons seated at tables and served their meals from a set menu provided by the Courtyard Cafe.