A Night on the Tiles

With acerbic wit and sharp observation of people, Frank Vickery’s plays hold a mirror up to life in a small community and A Night on the Tiles was no exception as laugh after laugh mingled with drama and touching moments of pathos.
Set in the back garden of a valley terrace house, a pregnant bride on her wedding day and two brothers – but who’s the daddy?
The rivalry between the brothers was well played out in strong well-defined and contrasting characters. Ken, the older brother, confident and extrovert played by Martin Woodsford and husband-to-be, the quiet and caring Gareth, by Dafydd Lansley.
Their strident, exasperated mother (Rachel Woodsford) rules the household with a tongue of steel, gentle husband Reg (Steve Lane), just wants a quiet life and Grandad (Tom Dyer) is in a permanent state of alcohol and confusion.
Louise Spinola-Scott played with sensitivity the bride Shirley, and over-the-garden-fence nosey, gossipy neighbour Mrs Morris (Jackie Hurley), completed this strong and evenly balanced cast capable of taking comedy to the edge of tears and find the quiet moments within the play, under the expert direction of Lynda George.
Designed and built by the society the staging of the rear of the house and part of the garden was impressive and solid with never a judder. Well done.
An amusing and touching play performed with pace and polish.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.