A Chorus of Disapproval

This was a quality production of one of Alan Ayckbourn's best loved plays, often billed as a comedy which it certainly is but as with all of Ayckbourn's work, there is an underlying theme of pathos which came through very well with David Nicholles' fine performance as Guy, the chap who was trying to get his life back after the death of his wife but who unwittingly succeeded in upsetting virtually everyone in the cast of The Beggar's Opera.  All the characters were extremely well cast.  The Director of the opera, Dafydd ap Llewellyn was played by Richard Lock with a great deal of enthusiasm when things were going right (which wasn't often!) and a massive amount of angst when they weren't!  The rest of the cast were all ideal in their parts and MD Carl Greenwood was also on stage as accompanist Mr Ames at the piano.  Everyone one looked marvellous in their Beggar's Opera Costumes and a good many people were involved backstage as in all productions.  Ayckbourn's view of the workings of amateur theatre may not in reality be just as shown in this play but I'm sure that all involved in this wonderful hobby would find one or two things ringing true!

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