Plays about amateur and professional drama companies putting on plays tend to be very popular and there is quite a range to choose from. It was interesting to see a new version written by a local writer, Blake Coleman, with family links to the Players and, in general, the script was great fun. In some ways I was sorry that I had not attended one of the performances at Buckden as I am sure that the more intimate atmosphere of the Hall there would have created a better atmosphere for this premiere but, nevertheless, it provided an enjoyable evening of entertainment. The Players are an experienced Society and there were some excellent individual performances. Particularly memorable were the pairings of Lawrence Allright and Marina Coleman-Rivers, Colin Webber and Shelly Browne and Martin Findlay and Bryony Mountfort. Lol Smith, George Kelly, Maxine Evans and Jan Webber also gave reliable and totally believable interpretations but, in some ways, the sheer size of the cast inhibited serious character development in all areas and several of the scenes, particularly in the first half, tended to be very static. However, in the central role of Rita, Charlotte Edwards was splendid and she soon became the central focus of the action. Her performance was low key and nicely judged and she rapidly attracted the sympathy of the audience. In this she received strong support from Kevin Shepherd as a very camp, energetic and appropriately over-the-top, Tom and Ian Francis as the cheerful and dependable Keith. This was a complete contrast to the Players’ recent productions but thoroughly enjoyable for all that and I particularly liked the nicely choreographed musical interludes.
Michael G Williamson
NODA Regional Representative : District 1