A Little Grimley Double Bill

These two One Act plays, part of David Tristram’s Little Grimley series, are performed together with the same actors taking on the same roles.

The Amateur Dramatic Society of Little Grimley consists of just four members: director and playwright Gordon; set builder Bernard, who doesn’t want to act; Joyce, who thinks she can act but can’t and tries to keep the finances in order; Margaret, who thinks she is brilliant actor with attitude to match but always over-acts.

Each of the actors in these two productions were very good and gave well-defined characters with mannerisms and deliverances of speech matching their roles.

Paul Voodini gave a strong performance and was excellent as Gordon with his great articulation and body language suiting this character to a “T”. Bernard, the reluctant actor, who was only happy when building the set was played perfectly by Paul Webb. Kiera Rhodes was outstanding as the not-so-bright Joyce. Desperate to be an actor, Joyce had problems in remembering even one line and you couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. The one and only actor in the Little Grimley Amdram is Margaret. Very snooty, smart, and fashion-conscious, Margaret believes she is better than anyone else and was played superbly by Sian Butler-Walsh. Sian’s body language, mannerisms and speech perfectly matched this character. 

In Act One, the Society is struggling to keep going having had no ticket sales for their last production. So, Gordon decides to write a brilliant play which he’s sure will be a hit. “Murder in Little Grimley” opens with the not-so-bright Joyce, played perfectly by Kiera Rhodes, discovering a body with a knife stuck in his chest. Of course, this is Gordon trying out his ideas. He is not known for keeping his cool and the quartet gets involved in many arguments, tantrums, and sticky situations with not everyone agreeing with his ideas. In a bizarre twist, he finds himself being charged with the murder of the Joke Shop owner with whom he recently had a confrontation. Enter Sam, a detective, played by Sarah Rose, who has come to arrest him. Sarah’s character certainly led us to believe that Gordon had committed a crime and she took total control of the situation.

In the end, it was all a big joke on Gordon to show him that his temper could be his downfall. In fact, Sam was not a detective, but a friend of Joyce. Great piece of acting from Sarah.

For Act Two we watched “Last Tango in Little Grimley”. Things can only get worse for the group so in a last attempt at success Gordan suggests that their next play has sex as its topic.  This of course does not go down well with the four members. Yet another chaotic and hilarious production followed as we watched them rehearse and arrive at what is becoming a sell-out. It may or may not be a success as come opening night none of them can remember their lines. Will they triumph and be able to carry on with further productions?  Of course, they will.

Both plays were skilfully directed and performed with plenty of funny lines, hilarious scenes and action ensuring that both productions moved at a good pace. The design and structure of the set suited both plays perfectly, with the cast moving the props around as and when required. Combined with the lighting, sound effects, and costumes to match the characters it all gave the audience an evening full of laughter. Thanks to the set designer, builders and all the backstage crew. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.

 

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