According to Rumour

Despite entering a rather chilly community hall, there was a warm welcome from the Front of House staff. Unfortunately, on opening night, there were only 22 in the audience which was a shame because this modern-day farce was a great choice. The background music prior to curtain up was an eclectic mix of some well-known tunes which, in some ways, set the scene for the ensuing production. The programme was colourful and informative. Lighting and sound effects were very good.

The play was set in one room throughout and good use of the space was made, along with some interesting and interchangeable props to move the story along at a good pace. The set was well thought out and as the curtains opened, it was evident that a rather raucous party had clearly been held in a living room.  It was obvious that this was a bachelor flat. As to be expected in a fast-moving farce, there were two doors on either side of the stage. These doors were certainly used to great effect throughout the show. The suggestion of activities taking place outside the room were suitably explained without the audience seeing the action. The costumes were contemporary but imaginative and well thought out. Highlights included oversized trousers, colourful underpants and an enormous hat bedecked in flowers.

The main protagonist, Carter, set the opening scene, being woken by a telephone call from his sister. Clearly, hungover and in a room full of debris and disarray, he was then confronted by a scantily clad woman, appearing from the bedroom, clearly surprising Carter. This, plus the discovery of a carrier bag full of cash in his ‘fridge, then immersed the audience into a series of mistaken identities and general mayhem. During the play, Carter was regularly visited by his family, a detective and a postman, all of whom had some involvement with the cash that kept moving around at great speed.

The entire cast performed with enthusiasm and effort and kept up a fast pace throughout and it is difficult to single anyone out. However, it was good to see Nick Turvey back on stage. His performance as Carter was probably his best to date. Equally impressive was Lewis Pavey, as friend Roger. His comic timing, facial expressions and stage presence were exemplary. The experienced, Terrie Burland (Harriet), gave a standout performance. She was able to adapt from pushy mother to Emma, demanding employer to twins (Maxine and Martine) and flirtatious older woman with Roger with ease.

A farce needs to be quick and humorous with good timing and the cast achieved this together with high energy which was maintained throughout. There was a myriad of twists and turns in the plot which kept the audience on their toes. There were, perhaps, too many prompts and actors asking for a line can detract from the smoothness and overall enjoyment but that is the only criticism and the whole cast and crew should be very proud of their achievements. This play was funny, sharp, very well directed and certainly enjoyable.

It is good to see Newchurch Drama Club up and running again and, after all their hard work, they deserve to succeed.  The fact that they are advertising their next production, a panto, indicates they are going from strength to strength.

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