Diplomatic Relations

This was my first visit to NAT’s as a District Rep although I had seen a previous production of theirs with my predecessor. The Company has a number of loyal members, who not only appear on stage but act as production team, director, set designer and no doubt deal with all the other tasks necessary to stage a production.  This of course is what community theatre is all about.  It’s hard work but rewarding when you play to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience, as was the case on this opening night. 

The set is that of an office in a British Embassy in a far flung outpost of South America.  The union flag is present in great profusion, even down to the cushions and the set is appropriately dressed and includes a large desk and chair, drinks table and a large sofa.  A good place to hide behind!  The Ambassador is expecting a visitor of high standing to celebrate the 150th anniversary of a local revolution.  Instead a Foreign Office investigator arrives to look into evidence of extravagance.

I don’t usually mention by name all the characters in a production, but to leave out anyone here would be rather unfair as all the cast gave good performances and I did not spot one weak link.  So here goes.

Hamish Carruthers, Trade Attaché and husband of the Ambassador, is in charge of sourcing the refreshments and entertainment for the celebrations. This he does, but not necessarily to his wife’s approval.  Steve Dunn made a convincing Hamish, doing deals to secure the local, and by all accounts unpalatable, wine and forever trying to cover his tracks in an effort to hide his extra marital goings on from his wife.  She of course is fully aware of what he gets up to.

A good performance from Jacqueline Pullen as Ambassador Miranda Carruthers, appearing to care more about her designer wardrobe for the upcoming celebrations, than affairs of state.  She may have been posted to the back of beyond, but standards must not be allowed to slip.

There were other good characterisations from Yvonne Hannant as Admin. Assistant Dorothy Huxtable, trying to keep some semblance of order. Will Murray as Security Officer Dennis Protheroe and Susan Millar as Antonia Hadley trying to go about her business, clipboard in hand.

Becky Monk was terrific as student Henrietta Bourne.  Her dialogue was accompanied by some lovely facial expressions and mannerisms which she kept up throughout the performance. Very well done.

Matthew Fyleman did a great job as Colonel Fegundez, in charge of security and with an eye for the ladies.

Well done to Tracey Murray as the scantily clad Lisa Guinsor from the Ministry of Finance, one of Hamish’s paramours, who is embezzling £2m to enable them to run away together, and to Lizzie McMillan as Kimberley Trent who Hamish tries unconvincingly to pass off as his niece.

I thought Rosie Millar did an excellent job as Maintenance Person, aka the “terrorist threat” always ready with the right tool for the job but totally ineffective as a terrorist. This was a great comedy role, very well characterised.

A fast moving comedy such as this has to be slick and it was unfortunate that the pace did appear to slow down at times.  However, that said, this was a good production and I hope the Society’s concerted publicity efforts paid off and that the show was a success.

Thank you for a very enjoyable evening.

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