Absolute Poppycock!

It was good to meet up again with Michael Branwell and Director Eve-Marie Downey who gave us a warm welcome.  The society was performing for the first time at their new home and although they were excited to be at the Playhouse, the move had not come without its challenges. Everyone though was in good spirits and I wish them well in their new surroundings.

Following last year’s NODA Award Nominated production, I was really looking forward to seeing the society’s latest offering. This time the talented Jack Downey had taken his inspiration from the stories and characters of P.G. Wodehouse and created a play within a play, which was an absolute hoot from start to finish. 

On entering the auditorium, we were in fact entering the Poppycock Theatre back in the jazz age. The audience was being entertained by “The Resident Singers”, three ladies and a gentleman, against a backdrop of projected scenery showing a curtained stage, with Poppycock Theatre! across the proscenium.  This really set the scene and so, as instructed in the programme, we ‘bally well’ sat back and relaxed!

Jack Downey was a wonderfully over-the-top Bertie with Chris Millington, a very convincing Jeeves. Praise must also go to Alyssa Upton who was terrific as Corky, not only directing Poppycock Theatre, but also taking on two acting roles.  Very well done.  Henrietta Branwell as Aunt Agatha had a habit of appearing when least expected, critically surveying the proceedings as well as keeping a watchful eye on her nephew Bertie. A delightful cameo.

There was certainly a cornucopia of talent on display, with the main characters assisted by The Dappers - Mike Rees, Adam Thompson and Peter Yates and The Flappers - Melissa Jones, Helen Rees and Ginny Elliston.

Everything starts to get terribly confusing as roles are cast and rehearsals begin, and I admit to getting more than a bit lost trying to keep up with it all. The script certainly seemed to allow for more than a modicum of ad-libbing!  Not a criticism, just an observation.

The car chase, against a projected background, is of course a classic piece of entertainment which still has the ability to keep an audience on the edge of its seats.  Here it was particularly well done and assisted by back seat passengers.  I also liked that the car was assembled in front of us using stage props very effectively.

Who knew that a baby grand could be just that?  Watching Jack placing himself over the miniscule piano stool before lowering himself into position was hilarious, as was so much of this convoluted production.  There were other hilarious antics, too many to mention in this report.

Directing such a production could not have been easy, so well done to Eve-Marie on this as well as being one of the ‘Resident Singers’.

The production was well costumed.  I particularly liked the beautifully embellished Flapper outfits.  Lighting and sound were good and the set, including the projected scenery had been well thought out.

Well done to Jack Downey and everyone involved in this very entertaining production. 

Thank you for inviting me and for your hospitality.  We had a very enjoyable evening.

 

 

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