Coronation Fever by Vince Jones

~~A very amusing character comedy set in Wintercourse Frequent Village Hall, 1952 where two meetings are held by Rev Jeremy Tongue together with chosen village stalwarts planning for a ‘big event’ to celebrate the Coronation of Princess Elizabeth.  Picture a perfect village hall with bench table, chairs around, tea urn refreshment area together with a wonderful tea trolley, a vestibule area with coat hooks, umbrella stand and chair.  On the back wall are portraits of the late King draped in mourning ribbons and soon to be Queen Mother.  The performance hall itself was decorated in bunting with cabaret style seating appropriately set for the interval tasty pie and veg supper together with delicious sweet, prepared and served by the catering team.  The very good cast, delivered a hilarious script, a reminder of a lot of committee meetings I have attended with misunderstandings and interruptions, beautifully timed and directed with good character costumes. ‘What ho’ Guider Miss Bunty Goodbody, superbly performed by well padded Chairman Jackie Manktelow, wearing white ankle socks, sandals and sporting bunches, was a sight to behold, working well with Toby Champneys as camp Roger Darling Scout Leader. Mark Richardson gave an almost faultless performance as the Rev trying to keep his meetings under control whilst Sian Killick was his charming wife. Heather Woodward – what a wonderful portrayal of knitter deaf Mrs Gladys Gribble rendering strains of WI signature tune of Jerusalem. Richard Pierce played the Major with aplomb taking charge in battle fashion with Caroline Godber as village newcomer Marilyn Bedworthy just wanting to use her am dram skills to present a pageant. Clive Moores and Ollie Pierce provided fine slapstick interruptions and laughter resounded. 

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