3 in 1 An evening of one-act plays

“Failed investments”   

Directed by Lisa Turpcu

A resident’s meeting to discuss ground rent soon veers off the subject, as one by one four women start to relax in each other’s company.  Aided by a glass or two of wine, they open up about their lives, with no subject appearing to be off limits.   The result was hilarious.

All the women were well cast, resulting in some strong performances.  Penny Reeves as Anne had us in fits of laughter as she spoke of her obnoxious husband who has left her to live with his girlfriend, while Margaret, played by Jane Browne is trying to come to terms with the fact that her son is, as she puts it, homosexual.  Lorna Catt is the rather timid Judith, trying to please her husband by finding a job, but worried about her lack of experience and Vanessa Templey plays Carol who Anne reveals is a lesbian, much to Carol’s annoyance.  Neil Clarke took on the small supporting role of “Mr Fusspot” whose appearance brings to an end the women’s rantings.

A well directed play which had us laughing throughout.  This was a good start to the evening.

 

“Joining the Club”

Directed by Amy Prosser

When a career woman finds she is unexpectedly pregnant, she assumes her husband will be supportive, but he has news of his own which under the circumstances does not go down too well.  A good portrayal by Laura Martin of Jenny, who decides she now wants to concentrate all her efforts into being a good mother. Tom on the other hand is too wrapped up in his own ‘career move’ to take on the realisation that they are about to become parents. A good performance by Ollie Robinson, looking every bit the salesman in his three piece suit.  This was a gently humorous look at the pros and cons of forthcoming parenthood. 

Well done to both actors and to Amy on her directorial debut. 

 

“Last Tango in Little Grimley”

Directed by Sue Wetherall

Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society’s membership is dwindling, along with audience numbers. With no money coming in the future looks bleak.  That is until the Chairman announces that sex is the only thing that sells tickets these days.  What follows is absolutely hilarious and I didn’t stop laughing from start to finish.

The play was well cast resulting in good performances all round.  Granville Rush was chairman Gordon whose idea of churning things up a bit certainly seems set to be a winner.  Treasurer Joyce, played by Penny Deans, had been rather slow to catch on that a society of four cannot do Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  She is though delighted to be told she can sing a song from the show, albeit in a bath of bubbles. Diva Margaret (Jill Oxborrow) doesn’t seem to take much persuading when asked to reveal more than would normally be considered acceptable and Bernard, played by Jem Deans and adamant he is a set builder, not an actor, is cast as a butcher, a role he can presumably make his own.

This was fast moving and well directed with the pace being kept up throughout.

 

The set on each occasion was simple, allowing us to concentrate on the performers. Lighting and sound were good.

This was a well put together programme of three very funny one-act plays.  Acting, as I have come to expect from this society, was of a high standard. 

Thank you for inviting me.  We had a very enjoyable evening.

 

 

 

 

 

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