Ding Dong

Ding Dong
Performed by: The Wayfarers Drama Group
Venue: The Theatre In The Hut
Date: 30th March 2025.
Written by: Marc Camoletti
Adapted by: Tudor Gates
Directed by: Will Jones
Noda Rep: Mike Purnell

So once again, we get invited out on a Sunday evening to the very quaint
setting of Theatre in The Hut this time to see a French farce. This was just the
sort of play that we needed at the end of a busy week just to sit back and be
entertained.
Thanks so much for the very warm welcome we received from Liz and the
front of House team. We feel very much part of the set up now, and always
look forward to our visits.
The open set on arrival looked quite impressive and space was utilised to its
fullest. We had no doubt we were in a very nice city house/ apartment.. The
glass doors towards the back of the set showed off beautifully the Paris
setting of the Eiffel Tower and was lit beautifully.
Farce does need to be taken at some pace, and pauses carefully considered,
for the most part this was perfectly judged by the actors. I did feel the pace
dipped a couple of times but on consideration, this actually could be to do
with the actual written script. I must give special mention to Bernard and
Robert who’s large two-hand scene at the beginning was wonderfully
handled. The delivery was on point with the humour coming through. I could
tell a lot of time had been given to this particular scene.
On the whole The Wayfayers delivered exactly what it said on the tin. We had
lots of laughs along the way, a great pace was set from the opening and we
were introduced to some very interesting individuals. With banging of doors
and ding donging of the door bell we certainly had a very entertaining
evening.
A special mention must go to Poppy who once again stepped into the breach
and saved the day. What a true star. This didn’t seem to throw any of the
actors at all even though I’m sure delivery of lines may have been slightly
different to your original actress. I was very impressed how Poppy fitted in
around you all completely naturally and the book was soon forgotten about.

Costumes To be honest I thought these were good choices all round. Bernard’s very

dapper look was just right, as was Robert’s very suave look. Nice for the
shoes to get another outing. Louie looked just right, as did Juliette and then
we have Jaqueline who looked a million dollars as she would have. Great
colour choices all round.

Lighting/Sound effects
This always seemed on cue and some good lighting effects. The lighting of
the Eiffel Tower was excellent as was the picture itself. Nothing to moan
about here. I saw and heard everything.

Set/Stage Management
The Wayfarers always deliver a good quality set and this was no exception,
my only thing would have been outside the front door of which we saw a few
times maybe could have been dressed better rather than just blacks. A hedge
effect maybe? I know time runs away from us and this may have been the
case.All in all good job done.

Bernard
This was a nicely controlled performance. The costume chosen looked great,
fitted well and looked the part. I thought you were completely in control
despite having oodles of dialogue to remember. Even the couple of ad-libs
that were added had us howling in laughter. A good confident actor who we
always feel is in complete control and can relax watching.Well done.

Jacquline
I must say, you look stunning throughout. A very believable character as the
wife of Bernard and I loved the look on your face when you found out that
Bernard knew about the affair with Robert. A nice controlled character that
once again we felt at ease with. Make up and wig just perfect. Well done.

Louie
This was probably one of the most difficult characters to portray even as an
audience member we didn’t know what mood you would be in with each
arrival on stage. You probably had more entrances and exits than all the other
characters put together but you timed them just perfectly. Some of your
facials were just lovely especially that vague (not knowing what’s going on)
look! Very funny.

Robert
A good strong actor who once again also knew just how to pitch this
character just right for the various situations he found himself into.
Some great timing especially around the comedy, looked just right and
always suitably attired. Good delivery of lines we didn’t miss a thing. Well
done.

Barbara
Well what can I say? I’ve called you a star before and can only reiterate that.
To step in at a moments notice is no mean feat, but you did it with confidence
and flair and looked every bit the part. The book was soon forgotten about as
your lines were delivered very naturally And I find it hard to believe that you
hadn’t been directed in the part originally I’m sure Will and the cast will be
forever grateful. I know us as an audience were and appreciated you allowing
the performance to go forward big congratulations

Juliette
I must commend the energy you put into this part which also helped to create
a lot of the comedy of your part. I loved the “butter wouldn’t melt” Juliette
when she arrived and then the complete turn around when she discovers her
husband is having the affair. Just brilliant. Great team work when working
with Bernard and Robert. I’m sure that was fun to do.

Director
Congratulations on getting a first rate cast. This was super teamwork at its
best. I always commend the community spirit that I always get a sense of
when I visit The Hut, and tonight was no exception. I felt you directed
everything extremely naturally and nothing felt forced. Quite often comedy
can come across very staged, but the delivery of all the actors felt very real.
I felt the play itself could maybe improve with a little trimming but maybe that
wouldn’t be fair to the writer and maybe that’s just my opinion. I hope you’re
very pleased with the result of all your hard work and thank you for
introducing us to Ding Dong and the wonderful weeks entertainment it gave
us all.
See you all very soon
Best wishes
Mike

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