Caught In The Net

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Margaret Coleman and Chrissie Donegan and was able to discuss the performance at the end with Director Rob Porter and the cast.

This play was the sequel to Run For Your Wife and was placed eighteen years afterwards. I was very intrigued to see how the society would create a set to accommodate two households on this very small stage. Simon Reader designed a simple and brilliant set which worked extremely well. It consisted of a bland back ‘wall’, seven doors all of which opened, a staircase and two telephones. A ‘ common’ lounge area was used by both households requiring characters to often cross each other on stage adding to the general confusion and comedy. Every inch of space on the stage was used. Lighting was appropriate and voice projection by the cast was excellent Every actor could be heard clearly. There were a few sound effects all well timed. Costumes were relevant to the period and the characters.

This was a superb ‘farce’ sparkling with fun, laughter and great, almost slapstick style comedy. The casting was perfect with everyone playing to their strengths and the standard of acting by everyone was first class. Split second timing was essential to maintain momentum and the production was fast moving, frantic sometimes! All the actors were well rehearsed and there were no ‘weak’ areas detected.

Richard Kemp-Luck was the two timing bigamist, John, with an over the top and sometime ‘athletic’ performance whilst trying to balance his two marriages. Richard had some vivid facial expressions especially when in panic mode. So difficult to keep his two families apart! Well played!

It was great to see Greg McDowell, as the lodger Stanley, in his first major role with the society. This was a superb part for Greg as he created so many cover ups, misinformation and farcical situations whilst attempting to hide the bigamist’s truth! Greg was energetic and quick thinking and caused so much hilarity with his hapless ways and wonderful facial expressions and actions. The audience loved him!

Katherine Johnson was Mary, one of the wives. Her timing was impeccable and she managed to show her anger and disgust at John’s antics. Barbara, the second wife was rather flirty and somewhat ethereal and was played by Sara Talbot-Ashby.

John’s son and daughter, by different wives were well matched and were basically the reason John’s bigamy was uncovered. Having met on the internet they discovered so many similarities between their respective fathers that it was too much of a coincidence. Jake Clover was Gavin, a rather earnest young man,  and Katie Wallace was Vicki, bubbly and vivacious.

Stanley’s Dad was played by new society member Dean Miles and although the part was small Dean made such an impact! He was an absolute delight adding considerably to the comedy with constant misunderstandings and confusions, his daft antics and slightly mad behaviour! He was knocked to the floor several times and bounced back with so much energy. Very well played and an excellent addition to the society.

All considered this was a total farcical evening with so much laughter and comedy from this society. I congratulate Director Rob Porter on such a superb production. The audience loved it.

 

 

 

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