Cash on Delivery

Farce is a particularly specialised type of theatre. It needs word perfect actors, a totally far-fetched storyline with over-the-top characters who have a total belief in their parts, spot-on timing and a set with many entrances and exits; this is on top of the normal skills of acting. Manor Theatre Group managed this with perfection in their performance of “Cash on Delivery” by Michael Cooney. This was a absolutely brilliant script enacted by totally dedicated actors. Michael Cooney had obviosly continued his father’s  career as writer of the Whitehall Farces starring Brian Rix - Michael’s father being Ray Cooney. I can honestly say that I have not laughed so much during a whole evening since I last saw a live show with Ken Dodd about eight years ago

The utter final confusion was initially caused by DSS fraudster Eric Swan (Derek Manning), joint owner of the property with his wife, Linda (Suzanne Page). Eric, although being the instigator of the mayhem also tried to inveigle his lodger Norman Bassett (Patrick Casey) in an initial cover-up of the fraud. This was necessitated by the arrival of Mr Jenkins (Jonathan Hope), the DSS inspector and Sally Chessington (Anna Bird), bereavment councillor. The only other person apart from Eric complicit in the false claims scam was his Uncle George (Andrew Bates). He also played the role of his own twin brother. With two deaths announced in the house an undertaker was required and this was Mr Forbright (Daryl Holmwood). By then Linda Swan, the co-owner needed couselling which was provided by Dr Chapman (Laine Watson). Maybe the fraudsters would have got away with it had it not been for act two! Mr Jenkins (by now a little worse for drink) who throughout was paranoid about obeying his boss, was surprised by her arrival - the dreaded no-nonsense Ms Cowper (Helen Casey). As if things could not worse, who should arrive but Norman’s fiancée, Brenda Dickson (Hannah Ryder). Utter confusion reigned with characters believing others were who they were not, misunderstandings and a fiancée weeping over everyone having been told her man had died. Needless to say, it all came to a simple conclusion and all were happy. Really? Yes! All the above people (in particular Eric and Norman) had very wordy dialogue which was  executed with precision, clarity and perfect timing. Smiles and laughter started at the very beginning and increased with the action of the play giving us, the audience, an extremely hilarious, entertaining couple of hours enjoyment.

All productions need competent persons backstage, set building, technical and lighting operatives. This was also well apparent at this performance. The director, Lauren Smith, must have put such a lot of thought into the action and it was probably great fun but she needs to be thanked for the final uplifting result. Congratulations to one and all involved in an amazing experience.   

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