Cash on Delivery

‘Cash on Delivery’ by Michael Cooney is, in every sense, a great British farce, and where better to see a performance than in a seaside theatre in the summer, with an appreciative audience and the imminent threat of rain. Swanage Drama Company worked their socks off to deliver this hilarious and utterly ridiculous yarn, and despite some last-minute cast changes carried it off successfully.  Much of the comedy in farce is dependent on timing, and there were occasional lapses in pace and rhythm, caused, no doubt, by those recent changes in personnel and the odd line-drop, but there was no serious hesitation in picking up the storyline to speed the story to its crazy conclusion.

Audibility can be difficult in the Mowlem Theatre, but voices were projected clearly and strongly, so that every word could be heard and each sound distinguished.

The show opened with bags of energy and pace which was largely maintained throughout to the final curtain. Eric Swan was impressive as the benefits cheat, ducking and weaving as the legal net closed about him; Linda Swan, ignorant of her husband’s nefarious activities, was by turns angry, severe and hysterical; Norman Bassett cheerfully mastered the art of thinking on his feet as his role in Swan’s deception changed almost by the minute – quite a feat; Uncle George played the stooge very well, blundering into events he doesn’t understand, and unwittingly playing the role of a corpse; Sally Chessington was a kind and sympathetic bereavement counsellor; Doctor Chapman was determined, if confused; Mr Forbright the sober undertaker, attempted in vain to bring some order to the madness; the ominous Ms Cowper made a strong appearance towards the end; Brenda Dixon was a cheery fiancée to Norman; and most impressive of all was Georgina Jenkins, outstanding as the drippy but strong council benefits worker, who, with a soft and gentle voice and expressive hand gestures, was sympathetic, kind, confused, tipsy or determined as occasion demanded.

The set was clearly well-built, withstanding an endless number of doors opening and closing, the vagaries of a temperamental washing machine and the gush of fog in the finale.  Lighting changes in general were subtle and special effects well-executed.  Costumes were contemporary and appropriate for each character and setting.

‘Cash on Delivery’ was an energetic, exhausting (from laughing) and entertaining production, very much appreciated by its audience.  Well done, Swanage Drama Company.

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