A Kick in the Baubles

Denys Edwards Players are a long established theatre company based in Sheffield, boasting their own building providing not only rehearsal space but areas for costumes props and importantly a fully equipped workshop. This facility allows for the sets to be created and rehearsed with prior to transporting and constructing within the theatre. The strength in theatre companies comes from years of member dedication and commitment, not purely performing but set building, FOH, props and costumes and much more. DEP thankfully still have just that. 

The company never afraid to test differing plays, some serious some not so, some emotional some sad, but in this over the top , risqué with plenty of inuendo and adult content play, Christmas comes early to the Civic Hall. The play takes place in the lounge of Frank by John Costello and Jean by Catherine Newsome, a settee to stage left two armchairs to stage right, along with tables, lights, chairs and Xmas décor. Doors leading to various rooms along with access from outside, the layout allowing for great spacing and shaping. 

Frank having recently lost his job and his wife Jean gave truly powerful performances throughout, the not stop bickering and negativity from Frank, ‘nobody likes Xmas’ why do we have to spend money we haven’t got. Loads of references about looking after his redundancy money, from Jean ‘why cant we spend some of it ‘  Frank ‘ we are saving it for a rainy day’…..’ isn’t this a rainy day’  Two very strong character parts performed well. Some well thought out asides from Frank to the fourth wall, along with subtle lighting moving the hours along. Their niece Alex played by Maisie Baxter some challenging cameo scenes, portraying initially to be a little behind the wall, telling Frank and Jean about her birthday present of a car, when asked what is it , the reply was ‘its red ‘later being very emotional after leaving her boyfriend and then later making up. Enter Alex’s parents Doreen played by Angela Blackwell and her husband Harry played by Joe Otten. Two excellent but very different character parts, Doreen forever pretending to be what she wasn’t, belittling her sister Jean when it came to money matters, clearly the wealth or supposed wealth being the major attraction. By contrast her husband Harry, or should we say Mr K , ten K, Twenty K and so on. Bold as brash with a phone ring tone of ‘ Your too Sexy’ which fitted his character to a tee. However a level of sympathy for Harry as he clearly was held responsible for a life style he couldn’t afford. The drinks certainly flowed and Doreen took the full well performed tipsy route. Enter Gary played by Richard Bevan, the neighbour from hell mixed with hilarious devilment. Loud and brash with every entry, insisting to keep the party going complete with his dreaded Karaoke machine and an adequate supply of liquid refreshment. Some fun near the knuckle scenes with Julie played by Kate Spivey, the mistletoe temptress not caring how outrageous her actions where when approaching all the family members. Scenes between Gary and Julie certainly made you think of a volatile relationship. Great fun however.

We finally meet Millie the long lost daughter of Frank and Jean, also played by Kate Spivey, a total contrast to Julie. We see the emotion of the returning daughter as conversations and finally forgiveness show through. We also see why Dad was so protected about spending his redundancy money as in secret he had remained and supported his daughter. Darren played Michael Dempsey a small cameo role, the boyfriend and father to be or not of Millie’s baby to come.

Sue Cox as your director must be complimented for her many clever ideas in staging and directing the most capable talented cast. Some really memorable scenes around the Xmas decorations, the mobile Xmas figures operated by hand clapping, inventive staging and stage awareness, bringing the best out of the script. This play will not suit everyone, however there is plenty of comedy , some serious issues covered, moments of pushing the boundaries and an abundance of quality laughter lines. Costumes very well thought out and the subtle lighting along with well chosen music all complimented the evening . 

Thank you for the excellent welcome and refreshments provided by all the very friendly front of house team

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