Cash On Delivery

This play, new to me , seemed to have the deft touch of a natural writer of farce.

Unbeknown to his wife, Eric Swan, having lost his job, has been fraudulently claiming many benefits when at, the opening of the play Mr Jenkins from the benefits office calls needing a simple signature. Panic sets in as Eric resorts to ever more frantic tales and actions in order to cover up his misdeeds, so confusing himself and every other character to boot.

The cast was admirably led by David Mander as Eric Swan with great support from Richard Llewellyn as the lodger, Norman Bassett, Mick Mills as Uncle George, and Kevin French as Mr Jenkins - whose change from friendly competency to almost gibbering idiot was extremely well acted. The rest of the strong supporting cast had been well chosen.

This type of farce demands on cutting edge timing to be successful and this production had it in spades. The actors managed to maintain a relentless pace from start to finish. The lighting, sound and set were good and really complemented the performance while the back stage crew did their usually excellent job.

This production was probably the best presented amateur farce I have seen in a long time. Well done to everyone involved and congratulations to Tony Woodward on his debut as director for the Technical Players. Judging from the laughter coming from the audience throughout I think all would agree that they had been well and truly entertained.

Many thanks to the reception committee who looked after us so well and thank you too for inviting me.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.