A Kick in the Baubles

This glorious comedy by Gordon Steel was first presented by in 2005 and has remained a pre-Christmas favourite ever since.  The Marlowe`s do full justice in a superb evening of hilarious goings on.   It may be Christmas in the household, but it is nothing like “A Wonderful Life” for Frank.  While Jean is decking the halls readying for an invasion of guests, he would much prefer a “Silent Night”.  For a start he has just been made redundant and is dreading the annual invasion of In Laws, Harry and Doreen, utter snobs, and full-time moaners.  Then the neighbours Gary and Julie arrive, larger than life and bringing with them a Karaoke Machine.  “I hate bloody Christmas”, moans Frank.

As Frank, Mike Asprey instantly draws you in with an array of droll observations and negative comments.  Having many of the play`s best lines he delivers a perfect performance.  His mannerisms and timing throughout were a joy to watch.

Equal praise goes to Suzi Illston as his stressed wife Jean, wanting Christmas to be perfect for her guests despite her husband`s negative feelings. She embodied the character perfectly and was a perfect foil for her husband.

.Jean`s sister Doreen, and her husband Harry, arrive at the party.  Played by Jayne Brookes-Clayton and Chris Davies, they consider themselves a world apart with their fancy house and car, not to mention a boat.   But once the wine starts flowing, we see a different side to their posh lives.  Jayne`s drunken antics were excellent and very well controlled, a superb act.  I loved Chris`s scene with the busty Alex.  As Harry, he played the rich relative with ease, with his financial world collapsing around him.

Played by Emma Tocker-Booth, Julie is the next-door neighbour, and together with her husband Gary, played by Gary Peake, they certainly made their presence felt.  Gary is loud, brash, and very much in your face.  He sings raucously well in his karaoke moments, his rendition of the `Queen` numbers are outstanding, and his Freddie Mercury parody, wearing his wife`s clothes was hilarious. Emma plays his wife with equal gusto, delighted to show off her recently acquired boob job to all and sundry.  They both successfully added to the chaos with their rough and tumble humour.

Appearing at times throughout the proceedings, came Alex the dim-witted niece, played by Emily Turner. Playing her part with conviction, she added to the craziness of the proceedings.

The only sane part of the play was the arrival of the host`s daughter Milly, played with quiet assurance by Claire Wade.  Estranged from her parents, in a gentle interlude she was welcomed back into the family fold. Introducing her boyfriend Darren, played convincingly by Connor White, and announcing another arrival to come, it seemed that at last Frank and Jean had a Christmas to enjoy.

Martin Illston should be highly satisfied with the excellent production, delivered by a top-draw cast.

The impressive set was built by Martin Illston, Mike Asprey and David Jones.  The sound effects by Rob Snell were superb throughout, lighting again, deserving a plaudit, was by Steve Cooper, and I loved the slick routine with the Christmas Ornaments.

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.