Breezeblock Park

It was a refreshing change to be invited to review a play and a Willy Russell one made the anticipation even stronger.  The action takes place at Christmas time where family members have gathered to celebrate the season. Phrases like “all for show” and “keeping up with the Joneses” sum up the hilarious mood but with Willy Russell’s astute character observations there is of course much more going on.  Housewife Betty carries the play and Lynn Zaccarini painted her character beautifully right from the opening curtain with Garry Brindley’s effortless portrayal of her hen-pecked husband, Syd, a good foil.  Heather Adams Officer played Sandra their daughter with the right amount of sullenness.  Macho Jimmy, Betty’s brother performed with ease by Andrew Dart, takes no time in extracting Syd’s secret flirtation at work. His wife Vera however finds it hard to get a word in edgeways with Betty. But with Liz Forrest in the part she manages to convey her feelings in a wealth of expressions. Betty has her match in sister Reeny. Freda Adams tackled the part with a soft voice which barely conceals her steely determination to be one-up on everyone. With Douglas Clark as her car-obsessed husband, Ted, he is a very convincing support for his wife, while their seemingly perfect daughter Janet is performed with style by Heather Smith. It is only when Sandra’s secret boyfriend, Tim played very ably by Tim Roberts enters the fray that we discover Sandra is pregnant and has no intentions of marrying. Shocks follow when the audience learns the rather sinister reason for Janet’s meek demeanour. The characterisation, comedy timing and diction throughout was impressive. A truly entertaining evening.

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