Are you being Served

This play by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft based on their successful T.V. series provided a challenge for this company.  Paul Lomax, Director had selected a group of very talented and experienced actors to reprise the iconic T.V. roles. This is never an easy task and sometimes the transition from screen to stage can be very demanding and I felt that this was the case in this instance. The curtains opened to reveal a well constructed and dressed set with the central stairs and practical lift doors, which mirrored the T.V. programme. Congratulations for set design and for appropriate 1970’s dressing.  The familiar music and store announcements put the audience in the correct mood as we were introduced to the characters one by one.

Chris Slack as the complaining Mash opened the dialogue as we were quickly embroiled in the comings and goings of Grace Brothers Department Store. Don Green as Captain Peacock attempted to maintain discipline as the various characters expressed their excitement at the prospect of the store closure for refurbishment and the prospect of a holiday.  “Commonwealth Week “ was to take place on the reopening of the store and all employees were persuaded to practice their Bavarian Dance, with hilarious results. Well done to Ann Slack as the customer who managed to keep a straight face and decorum as Mr Humphries attempted to alter her suit and retrieve his chalk.  Andy Cooke, Mr Humphries was outstanding. His character had just the correct amount of “ camp”. It is so easy to go “over the top” with this particular type of role. Mandy Hall as Mrs Slocombe was suitably outrageous and captured the essence of the character.

Act 2 was set in Spain, at the Don Bernardo Hotel where The Grace Brothers Staff were on holiday. This set was an excellent contrast to Act 1. Costumes, accessories, wigs and make-up were just what were required for the two differing Acts. There was much action with mistaken identities, Spanish/English interpretation issues and lots of energy expended by all the cast but I did feel there were some projection and diction problems at times, with some characters facing upstage whilst delivering lines. I felt that these talented actors deserved a better piece in which to ply their trade. Pyrotechnics brought the play to a dramatic end as the ongoing “Revolution” took place. I know this society has a great reputation and I certainly look forward to their next production.

Thank you for your kind invitation to my wife and myself

      

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