1 - The Browning Version and 2 - Mixed Doubles

Hugh Farey played Arthur Crocker-Harris a crusty academic of the Greek Language. He had taught at the same college for 18 years and was married to a woman who was really quite objectionable. With failing health, he was forced to leave and take up a less stressful position in Dorset. This was his penultimate day in his current post and thought it would be just another day. However, his encounter with a handful of people and certain revelations, changed his life for ever. Hugh was outstanding as the tired (of life) teacher who had settled for whatever life had thrown at him. The bone weariness and sadness that Hugh portrayed was tangible. The hurt that he voiced at finding out he was referred to as the Himmler of the Lower 5th was so poignant.

 Conor Stobart was excellent as Taplow. His confidence at holding the audience’ attention for the first five minutes when he made his entrance into the ‘Crock’s’ home was well executed. I believed him when he said he liked the revered and crusty man, who made jokes that no-one understood, but was mature enough to laugh to save his masters feelings. His dialogue though long and not the easiest when referring to the Greek literature he was forced to read was clear and his general delivery was refreshingly loud enough to hear every word. Likewise, Dan Pegler as Frank Hunter, also had excellent diction and carried the role of the younger man who had attracted the attentions of the Masters wife off well. His rejection of her and his show of allegiance to his senior colleague I found both pleasing and touching.

 Ann Smith played the Masters wife perfectly. Her putdowns and sniping comments were doled out in a way that was subtle yet spiteful. Ann’s stage presence is pleasing to watch. Her use of the space and numerous props was carried off in a natural way that never detracted from the dialogue that was taking place, which is such a gift. Her pleading with Frank was heartfelt one moment and dismissive the next, it was almost a joy to see her sudden realisation that she was, for once, not going to get her own way.

 David Tearle played the role of the very unpleasant Headmaster well, as did Vicki Shortland as Mrs Gilbert and Tom Merriman as Mr Gilbert.

 I thoroughly enjoyed this play and applaud the cast for their performance. Thank you.

Mixed doubles was set in a tennis club. There was the pompous member George (Mac Henderson) who was holding a quiz, supported by his long-suffering wife Heather (Lesley Allen) who is having an affair with Mike (Andrew Dwyer) much to the astonishment of his much younger wife Tracy (Jenny Hall) who thinks he is an old bore. The affair is revealed on the night by the busy body Marjorie (Anne James) who deep down was jealous because she was fed up with her own lack lustre husband Eric (David James Smith) and hankered after the affections of George. Shelagh (Hilary Smith) was the mousy wife who let everything go over her head other than the toilet habits of her husband Donald (Roy Meddings). The two school girls Rebecca (Lottie Carr) and Sally (Abi Denton) enjoyed the shenanigan’s more once Sally’s Grandmother Pat (Hilary Jones) got to grips with everyone. There were lots of titters from the audience during this production and although lacked some pace romped through in true farcical fashion. Thank you to all involved.

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