The KAOS (Kids Acting On Stage) show opens on Sid and Cyrel's escape from jail. Throughout the play we see the characters, set against a backdrop of a circus in a rural town, seeking to clear the names of the escaped prisoners.

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The enjoyable and light-hearted script shows the serious Sid and the optimistic Cyrel overcome obstacles set by the town's constable, sergeant, and the probationary constables, including a second escape and court hearing.

In the second act the escapees ally with the town kids and the circus performers. The eye-popping colour of the circus tent is fun and goofy. It is this act which secondary plots manifest and the performance takes on the surreal and visual buzz. Fate turns the act dreamy and all is revealed with a twist.

At its core, the play is a moral story with themes of honesty and justice.

Writer and director Peter Stephens uses musical theatre, pantomime, slapstick and surrealism to reveal the truth and justice. Stephens rewrote the play to include a cast of 43. Some of the actors switch between characters.

He said, he wanted to teach the kids resilience, confidence as well as performance and strategies for their future.

"The cast of In Hot Pursuit accepted the many challenges inherit with performing on stage, under lights and before large audiences, with enthusiasm and determination," Stephens said.

He also praised the efforts and dedication of the production team. The performance was put on by the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society.

There were three performances held between November 8-11.

"I really enjoyed the performance and was especially impressed with the actors with leading rolls and singers, we have so much young talent in Crookwell. The whole show was really entertaining."

- Haley Snape

"There is a place on the KAOS stage for the very talented performers and also for those who can solo with a song or a part even though they appear to be raw beginners. The latter certainly beats the back row of the chorus line."

- Trevene Mattox

"In Hot Pursuit was a great a show that was enjoyed by our whole family. All the kids involved should be very proud of their efforts."

- Danielle Crosbie

"It was great to see a production of this calibre in our local community and to see all the children working together and supporting one another to put on such a great show."

- Greg Long