A Night on the Tiles

St. Paul’s Astley Bridge AODS kindly invited me to review their production of ‘A Night on the Tiles,’ a comedy play written by Frank Vickery. Combining classic British humour, a touch of farce and secrets threatening to spill over, this play, about a working-class family, three generations large: all living under one roof, was delightfully funny. The action takes place within the confines of the backyard, beginning on the day of Gareth and Shirley’s wedding. The groom is hungover, the bride three months pregnant and Grandad is stuck in the outside toilet.

Director Paul Cohen gave the audience a laugh aloud production, his cast were well rehearsed and animated with great comic timing throughout. The pace was steady, each cast member confident with their individual characterisation.

Paul also designed and built the set along with his team, Gareth Mabon, Michael Hall, Carl Bottomley, and Tim Shorten, a backyard area, just off centre stage, allowing room for a white picket fence and the neighbour's yard to the left of the stage, an outside toilet and bin area sat to the forefront on the right. The brick wall of the main house had a kitchen window, upstairs bedroom window and back door, I particularly liked the opening scene where we heard the actors indoors before seeing them through the kitchen window. The mother dropping the bacon on the floor only to put it on Grandad’s plate had the audience giggling from the onset.

The set was sturdy with no wobbles as the cast entered and exited through the back door, but more impressively, the toilet door could be forcibly opened and closed without affecting the rest of the set. Alan Dodd designed the lighting, bright and airy with blue and red gels providing an outdoor feel. Lighting and sound operator Michael Hall provided fault free sound, 80’s music interspersed throughout the show sounded clear. Cues were prompt under the watchful eye of Stage manager, Len Powell, with no feedback from the sound or noise from side stage. Props, supplied by Beth Timperley and Kiersten Keogh were of the era, I did like the use of live matches even if the cigarettes and pipe were (understandably) not actually smoked. The cast throwing dud matches over into the neighbour’s yard was jolly funny.

Catherine Henderson played the role of the overworked, stressed-out mother, Doris. I thought Catherine was strong in this role. Her timing during the conversation with neighbour Mrs Morris was wonderful, both actors quick as a whip whilst confusing each other and unintentionally starting a rumour. There was light and shade to Catherine’s performance as she dealt with the dramas unfolding around her. A rounded and hilarious performance, and her wig looked fabulous.

Carl Bottomley played Reg, husband to Doris. A complete opposite to his wife, Reg was calm and unfazed by the unfolding events. Carl had a heartwarming scene where he gave advice to his son, combining a tender anecdote with humour, his delivery was great.

Dorothy Jones played the eavesdropping neighbour, Mrs Morris. With a fantastic array of facial expressions, and very witty dialogue, Dorothy was wonderful in this role. I particularly enjoyed her scene with Kenneth, her physical reactions were jolly funny.

The role of Kenneth, the self-assured, wise cracking brother, was performed by Martin Foster. Martin was comical in this role, delivering his lines with a good pace, his character showing a softer side when talking to Shirley.  He was hilarious when experiencing sympathy pains whilst Shirley went into labour, the audience laughing along as he flailed about. A very funny performance.

Megan Thomason played the ‘blushing’ bride, Shirley. Three months pregnant, with a terrible secret and living with her in-laws, Megan gave an impressive performance. Her diction was clear throughout, she employed numerous emotions as her pregnancy progressed and her situation became more complicated. I particularly liked the mindfulness employed whilst playing a pregnant woman, her movements and posture were impressive.

Groom and brother Gareth, played by Adam Manning. Adam was notable in this role. From his entrance with a hangover, he made his mark. He displayed a strong variety of emotions throughout the show. His delivery was slick, his comedic side very funny, the audience felt for his plight as he prepared to become a first-time father.

Robert Peters was wonderful as Grandad. From his first ungracious entrance after being stuck in the outside toilet, the audience could not help but laugh. Robert played the drunk old man very well. His confusion after overhearing the conversations from inside the toilet was comical, a funny, well-acted performance from Peter.

The cast and crew worked hard to produce an entertaining show. The audience reaction was testimony to their combined efforts. I would like to thank St. Paul’s Astley AODS for inviting me and my plus one to their show.

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