Programme
Welcome to Mokushla Theatre Company!
Thank you for making it possible for us to entertain you today.
What happens when a theatre company is just weeks away from the biggest competition of the year and their leading lady suddenly walks out?
Light Hearted Theatre Company are deep into rehearsals for The Little Mermaid, with hopes of being crowned regional champions. But when star performer Janice unexpectedly leaves the production, the company is thrown into crisis. As tensions rise and opening night approaches, newcomer Daniela Woods arrives and steps into the spotlight. Can she help save Director Sam and his team's dream, or is disaster waiting in the wings?
This original Mokushla Theatre production combines comedy, warmth and the familiar chaos of amateur dramatics. The first act, written by Cat Hunter and directed by Robert Schonau, premiered at the Cheshire Drama Festival in April 2026 before going on to be performed at the Greater Manchester Drama Festival.
The second act takes a unique approach, continuing the story through a workshop-created performance developed by the cast themselves. There is no traditional script, but a storyline that allows the performers to bring the characters and situations to life in their own way, making each performance fresh, spontaneous and full of surprises.
Praised by festival adjudicators as "natural and entertaining", with "good pace, snappy dialogue" and a "feel good" story, this production celebrates friendship, determination, creativity and the magic that happens when a group of people come together for the love of theatre.
Today is about entertaining you - our audience. We do this in memory of Luke, Cat's son who tragically died in a road accident last year, age 19. Cat wanted to create a positive memory out of the tragedy - this was the motivation behind Mokushla Theatre Company and it has been a great distraction and therapy to help her cope with her loss.
We hope you enjoy the show.
Supporting Our Charity Partner: Visyon
Surplus funds from the productions will be donated to
Visyon, a Cheshire based charity providing free mental health support to the local community.
At a time when young people face increasing pressures from school, social media, relationships and everyday life, looking after mental health has never been more important. Many children and teenagers experience challenges such as anxiety, low mood, anger, bereavement, bullying or family difficulties, which can affect their confidence, wellbeing and ability to thrive.
Visyon is a local children's mental health charity providing free, early intervention support for young people aged 11 to 19. Through counselling, wellbeing services and safe, welcoming spaces, Visyon helps young people feel heard, understood and supported. Their dedicated team of qualified counsellors and wellbeing practitioners empowers young people to talk openly about their experiences, build resilience and develop the tools they need to navigate life's challenges.
By supporting Visyon, you are helping to ensure that vulnerable young people in our community can access the support they need, when they need it most. Thanks you !
Meet the cast (in order of appearance)
Sam: Robert Schonau
Joining Mokushla and performing Elephant Juice, for me, was a no-brainer. I have a long history with theatre and met Cat through another group. Though not the same, we have shared similar tragedies in life and have formed a strong friendship. When the opportunity came up to perform a self-written play and for a good cause, I could not say no. I jumped at the chance!
Elephant Juice is silly but it has a good heart, just like Cat. It is warming. It is an honour to direct and star in this play with the talented bunch of Mokushla Theatre.
Nigel: Stephen Parker-Aiken
I first met Cat when she played my girlfriend in a play with another company and since then I've had the opportunity to be in two other plays written by her. This is the third we have shared the boards, in a play without a script, which was strange but fun to do. Please enjoy Nigel; he can't act but he does try.
Grace: Sharon Wilkinson
I joined Mokushla Theatre in 2025 and was very excited when Cat asked me to play Sarah in Room 13 and The Hartley Wedding. Since then we have performed Saife which was completely unscripted, scary but fun.
We have recently performed Elephant Juice as a One Act play in South Cheshire Drama festival and South Manchester Drama festival. It was such an honour, the cast are so talented and have worked so hard to bring a full length play to Nantwich Tennis Club.
It's an hilarious comedy with a murder mystery twist, Act 2 is totally unscripted. It has all come together in such a short space of time.
Angel: Rebecca Dutton
I joined Mokushla in 2025 thinking it was just going to be one play. Now we are preforming the 4th one!
When I first read the Elephant Juice script, I was under no confusion of who I'd be playing, and neither was anyone else.
Bringing the character of Angel to life has been more than fun. Not to mention, getting the opportunity to work with some of the amazing cast from SAIFE and also working with new members has been an absolute blast!
I think the audience will absolutely love this awesome play, plus our new additions!
Daniella: Cat Hunter
I wrote Elephant Juice because one of the cast said “I only like doing comedy”! I have never considered myself to be particularly funny so the challenge was set. My aim was to create something silly, fun and a little bit crazy! The Little Mermaid was the first panto I wrote for my Mum who never got to see it. It was also the last Panto that Luke did so it seemed fitting to use the story again. Hidden in the script are acknowledgments to Luke, Light Hearted theatre company are his initials. Of course the White Rose makes an appearance.
Throughout rehearsals I have laughed and been in trouble for distracting the cast! I hope that you enjoy this story as much as I have.
Felicity: Ida XXX
I came to watch an Elephant Juice rehearsal knowing that Mokushla Theatre was set up in memory of my good friend Luke. I chuckled all the way through the rehearsal and knew I had to be part of this group. I have never acted before but the group made me feel like I could, so I should! I am so proud to be doing this for Luke and I hope he is laughing at the character that I have created. Felicity is fun, outrageous and a little crazy, just like we were together.
Persephone: Emily Hall
After finishing my BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre, I knew I had to find a local theatre company I could join to keep on acting, while pursuing my dream of yoga and choreography (if anybody wants one let me know…). Mokushla was the first choice, because not only could I keep on acting with a fun group of people, it meant I could support Cat, who has been consistently there throughout my life. Being a part of the rehearsals for Elephant Juice has been hilarious, and I look forward to the productions we will do after this!
Who was Luke Hunter?
Our Writer - Cat Hunter
Our Writer - Cat Hunter
Luke was a typical teenager who loved gaming and had recently discovered "bouldering". He had an ear for music: playing the drums, guitar and piano. Unlike many teenagers, Luke also loved theatre and was a strong supporter of his mum's play-writing and performing. Having just completed college and qualified as a Chef, Luke was embarki
Luke was a typical teenager who loved gaming and had recently discovered "bouldering". He had an ear for music: playing the drums, guitar and piano. Unlike many teenagers, Luke also loved theatre and was a strong supporter of his mum's play-writing and performing. Having just completed college and qualified as a Chef, Luke was embarking on his career, working at the Boar's Head, Walgherton. Tragically, on Sunday 14th July 2024 he was involved in a road accident where he died. This group has come together for the 5th time, in his memory, to perform the next self penned production from Mokushla Theatre Company.
Our Writer - Cat Hunter
Our Writer - Cat Hunter
Our Writer - Cat Hunter
Cat, Luke's mum, wrote Room 13 several years ago and it was first directed by Cat and performed by Audlem Theatre Company in 2022. It was later directed by Chris Lockett and performed by Alsager Community Theatre in 2024.Cat has written many plays and pantomimes that have been performed over the years by various amateur theatre groups.
Cat, Luke's mum, wrote Room 13 several years ago and it was first directed by Cat and performed by Audlem Theatre Company in 2022. It was later directed by Chris Lockett and performed by Alsager Community Theatre in 2024.Cat has written many plays and pantomimes that have been performed over the years by various amateur theatre groups. It seemed a natural way to pay tribute to Luke and his all-too-short life by performing Room 13 again. Cat has said that setting up the theatre group, booking venues and throwing herself into rehearsals with the amazing cast has been a really positive way to help cope with her tragic loss. With all surplus funds raised from the performances being donated to local charities, Cat feels that some good can come from Luke's accident.