The latest production by the Wharf Theatre is Guards! Guards!, by Terry Pratchett, which has been adapted for the amateur stage by Stephen Briggs. The story is part of Pratchett’s famous Discworld series, set in a fantasy world.

The city of Ankh-Morpork is under threat from a 60-foot fire-breathing dragon, summoned by a secret society. Sent to defend against this threat is the city’s Night Watch, comprised of the world-weary and drunk Captain Vimes and his incompetent men.

They are, in turn assisted by the swamp dragon Errol, his breeder Lady Sybil Ramkin, and an orangutan librarian.

This is an ambitious production put on by the theatre, given the nature of the story, but is done well.

The props and costumes were impressive, in particular the night watchmen’s uniforms which had excellent attention to detail.

Guards! Guards! requires the 11 actors to play 34 different roles between them, and it is a testament to the team that there are few breaks in the action.

The special effects are good and well employed, and you will be amazed to see dragon fly across the stage as well as breathe fire. Intelligent use of staging transports the audience around the city of Ankh-Morpork with the use of additional props and lighting. Pratchett’s trademark footnotes are also cleverly incorporated into the production.

Chris Underwood did a great job as Corporal Nobby Nobbs, portraying this dodgy character in an amusing way, and on the night I was there a sore throat didn’t stop Jim Catt from giving a fine performance. Overall, I enjoyed this and I forward to subsequent Terry Pratchett adaptions at the Wharf.