This early Alan Ayckbourn play has long been a favourite with Amateur Dramatic Societies. It is however quite a challenge with its complicated set being two/three living rooms virtually continuously. The action takes place over four days with four scenes, each one calling for changes to the set.
The Club had created a most attractive one with two alternating decors, one highly decorative, the other on the plain side. These nicely contrasted with each other. It was well furnished without over-doing things and hence hindering the large amount of movement which the play calls for.
That was achieved to a high degree by the nicely contrasted cast with two newcomers to the dramatic stage brings a high degree of praise to the Director. The continuous comings and goings call for well-nigh perfect timing and this was achieved to a high degree. This in turn was a large factor in the excellent pace set at the start and well maintained throughout the evening.
The cast comprised three very disparate couples, both socially and morally. Or does it? Ayckbourn in his usual adroit way allows each their foibles and weaknesses.
Top of the trio socially are the Fosters, Frank and Fiona. Played respectively by Richard Bruce and Ro Mackinnon, they were the pivot around which the other two couples gyrate. Both are extremely experienced and were well able to bring this asset to bear both in their individual parts and the play in general. Richard was the interfering and misunderstanding managerial character so beloved of the author. Ro portrayed his somewhat cynical wife having a fling with Bob Phillips the boorish husband of the younger second couple. He was complemented by his wife Teresa, frustrated and somewhat housebound with a young baby. Merlin Beedell and Heather Lewis-Plant took these parts and both created their characters most credibly, especially in view of their limited stage experience previously. Bob is part of Frank’s work team, a is William, husband of the third couple. He was, in turn, well partnered by wife Mary. Adam Lewis-Plant and Catherine Whitehead took these parts and again made a pleasing contrast to the other two pairs. Adam created many humorous moments with his somewhat squeaky voice and agitated movement, whilst Catherine as his socially inadequate wife was in her usual excellent form.
Together they all played extremely well as a team, and nicely integrated on stage even when playing separate but complementary scenes.
Costumes, being modern, did not cause any complications, but well matched the characters wearing them.
The excellent set has already been commented upon – it was certainly one of the best seen at Wadhurst. Props were also of a high standard although the dry sherry was perhaps not quite the correct colour.
But this was a clever, stylish production and a worthy start to the new season. |
