Cash On Delivery

Connor Parkinson Directs this play written by Ray Cooney’s son Michael, for Tyldesley Little Theatre.

Set in the home of Linda Swan and her husband Eric who, unbeknownst to her, has been defrauding the benefits systems whilst unemployed, although she thinks he’s still in work. You can imagine all the ensuing confusion that unfolds and the obligatory set of multiple doors needed for Farce. The curtains open to a very stylish set in colours of green, white and brown. Connor had thought about complementary songs from Abba’s "Money, Money, Money" to Simply Red’s "Money’s Too Tight To Mention" being just a couple of examples. Costumes and make-up suited the characters and looked in keeping with the time.

Alex Clarke playing Eric Swan was rarely off the stage with a huge role to take on. I do think he grew into the part and was definitely stronger in the second half. It is so hard to remember names and changes of names in a deliberately complicated plot in farce. I think first night nerves came into play and some of the vava-voom in the second half should have hit us on his first entrance. A commendable performance and I am sure he will grow in strength as the run continues. Loved the mention of the Ashes, our loss again of which added a comic poignancy - this Alex delivered with aplomb.

Alex worked well and had some very funny moments with Brendan Higgins playing Norman Bassett who had more plot lines and stories than the hilarious American TV Show ‘Soap.’ His character is led a right dance and he has to think on the spot to cover his friend’s tracks.  Again, I think some first night nerves were evident which I am sure will go as the run progresses.

Ian Hunter as Uncle George, what a dream of a part - be unconscious in play and steal all the laughs. When he was picked up you usually expect a body to go limp, but the rigid shape was hilarious – not forgetting the length of time reduced to his long johns - funny bones!

Diannah Miller playing Linda Swan the wife who gets it all wrong and is actually just trying to get help from the counsellor put in an admirable performance, moving from one catastrophe to another, without ever losing the strength of her character’s resolve.

Andrea Peters, playing the scary Ms Cowper, is also the victim of mistaken identity, being initially confused by the other characters as Norman Bassett dressed as a woman, when of course she really is a woman - and not  Norman Bassett - Andrea came through all these complications with simple sobriety.  

Bill Rodgers’ character Inspector Jenkins certainly got more than he bargained for when he appears at the Swan residence. Going from official to washer repair man to drunk was very funny to watch. He dealt with the frenetic pace by counterpointing it with his slower, confused deliberations, thus enhancing the comedy. Cheers!

Karen Ward’s characterisation of Doctor Chapman was also a delight - often told to shut up and sit down. Her little movements and mannerisms in character were very effective and spot on. I liked how she often looked as if she was about to speak then thought better of it - another actor whose pace was different from the rest, again enhancing the comedy.  Spot on casting.

Gemma Manfredi as Sally Chessington and Lorraine Reynolds as Mrs Forbright also worked well together in the cumulative chaos.

Always hard to come on at the end, but Eloise Ward did so with energy, trying to take command of a situation already out of control which in turn took its toll on her character of Brenda Dixon, which Eloise displayed effectively.  

This is a very funny play and I think the cast did suffer a little from first night nerves at the beginning. The second half had a lot more pace, punch and what every farce needs . . . the pauses (!). The cast worked very well together and though not intended the door handle coming off is what live theatre is all about. Quick thinking on Alex’s part and improvisation was actually very funny and earned a deserved round of applause (true farce!). From then on in, in the audience’s eyes, the cast could do no wrong.  Well done cast and crew and a big thank you from Matthew and I for the lovely welcome, as always.

 

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