An Evening of Short Comedies

A long and eagerly awaited return to the Kesgrave Community Centre to catch up with the Masque Players did not disappoint.  After being welcomed by Director Sue Hayes and Front of House Ian Quickfall it was time to settle down and enjoy 3 one act plays.  The Luvvies by Lynn Brittney  and 2 Ayckbourns from Confusions,  Between Mouthfuls and Gosforth’s Fete.  An excellent choice by Director Sue in that Ayckbourne never disappoints his audience and 3 one act plays allows plenty of scope and opportunity for the membership and also allows smaller ‘bubbles’ in these Covid afflicted times for rehearsals.

The simple but more than adequate, minimalistic sets and lighting against a black background worked well for all 3 plays as did the sound effects in Gosforths Fete. All the actors embraced their characters very well and where the few actors who were involved in more than one play, their character change was seamless and displayed their individual talent well. Two highlights among many worthy of honourable mention were June played by Lesley McMaster’s admonishment of her colleague in ‘The Luvvies’ combining timidity being overcome  with anger and frustration, and was an excellent piece of theatre. The second was the performance of Patrick Cooney as the waiter in ‘Between Mouthfuls’ , with little to say between his visits to each of the tables he acted his socks off, somehow completely commanding the stage in his silences. Couldn’t take my eyes of him, a mesmerising  performance. Very well done to all involved for an entertaining  and enjoyable night of theatre.

On a final note I was pleased to see a tribute paid in your programme to Anthea Mellamphy, Peter Phillips and Brenda Caddick. Catherine and I did not know Anthea unfortunately but both Peter and Brenda were involved with numerous Societies in and around Ipswich, and we saw them perform on many occasions. They are sadly missed.

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