A Kick in the Baubles

This fast-moving, high-energy comedy by Gordon Steel kept us laughing throughout and was well performed by a talented society.  The comedy is set at Christmas in the home of Frank and Jean and Frank (who is unemployed) is none too happy about the festivities that are stored up for him, especially shopping at first light on Christmas Eve!

In a set that was effective and cleverly worked by the actors the first section of the play was extremely well acted by Ian Dobson and Anne Dobson as Frank and Jean.  I thought their timing was excellent and they made the most of typical, recognisable, situations that may well take place in households throughout the land.  Frank is hardly off stage and Ian gave the part some real light and shade, his quieter moments with Jean being lovely.

The arrival of Jean’s sister and brother in law, Harry (played by Jon Risdon) and Doreen does nothing to lighten Frank’s spirit especially as they seem to have everything, and continually brag about it. Alethea Estill’s characterisation of Doreen was very good, especially whilst, in a beautifully controlled way, she was getting more and more drunk as the play progressed.

The situation doesn’t get any better on Christmas Day with the knock on the door from the outrageous neighbours from hell, Gary and Julie, armed with a karaoke machine and performed with great gusto by Ivan Hall and Rosalie Abel.  Ivan did some super impersonations of Freddie Mercury – very funny.

We also see Alex, Harry and Doreen’s slightly dim daughter and Frank and Jean’s estranged daughter, Milly, who turns up unexpectedly.  Both parts were nicely played by Megan O’Neill.  Jordan Butler was highly suitable as Milly’s boyfriend and this is where a lot of the tenderness of the piece took place.

Having told the neighbours to go away (in stronger language) the play winds down with gentle moments between Jean and Frank who, by then, actually seems to be a bit happier.

So were the audience when they left!

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