Don’t Dress For Dinner

This play centred around Bernard and Jacqueline who are an unhappily married couple, both of whom are having extra-marital affairs.  There was a very useful, synopsis in the programme which I will share for those not familiar with the play.  “As Jacqueline prepares to go out of town to visit her mother, Bernard invites his mistress (Suzanne) and Robert, his best friend (and also Jacqueline’s lover, unbeknownst to Bernard) over for the weekend.  Bernard has hired a Cordon Bleu chef to cater for the evening.  Jacqueline discovers Robert is coming and cancels her trip, causing Bernard to panic.  When Robert arrives, Bernard asks him to pretend Suzanne is Robert’s mistress.   However, when Suzette, the chef arrives, Robert mistakes her for Bernard’s mistress, producing a highly complicated dinner of hilarious high jinks, secret trysts and slapstick comedy.” 

And oh, how Bilton Amateur Dramatic Society delivered on this description!!

The highly charged relationships were brilliantly played throughout with some great character interpretations that the cast seemed to develop into even more as the play progressed.   One of these was Rachel Lawson as Suzette, the cook, who initially seemed like a mousy, timid young woman, but as the scenes passed she became more and more ‘out there’.  Beautifully played by Lawson.  Kay McGuire, gave us a fabulous Suzanne (Bernard’s mistress).  She came across as totally bewildered by all that was happening and really added to the hilarity with her straight delivery of many funny lines.  Jim Campbell as George,( Suzette’s husband) was a strong performer in this relatively small role, but still managed to make us laugh with his great characterisation – excellent casting.

Andrew Blake, was an anxious Bernard, whose character was so nervous at times one would have to doubt how he managed to co-ordinate his dual life of mistress and wife.  Blake was great for this the role, his positioning on stage and his facial expressions as he observes his carefully planned weekend of lust and luxury slip through his fingers were super.    Helen Davison, was a very confident Jacqueline, clearly having her own ‘adventures’ with her lover and intent on making the most of the weekend.  Davison was excellent in this role; vampish, cutting and very sharp witted – super timing of delivery and never a line thrown away.  Dave Hawxwell was simply hilarious as Robert, his character was just right and he coped magnificently with some rather complex line sequences.  Hawxwell also had a great physicality which he brought to the role, if there had been a window I am sure he would have climbed out of it to avoid what he could see was coming.

The single set was well-designed and props were appropriate for this production.  The numerous entrances and exits were well used to add to the farcical nature of the ‘goings on’ and the set was very much a converted barn complete with piggery, cow shed and hen house!  Costumes were ideal for the show and the many shirt changes of Bernard no doubt resulted in lots of extra work for wardrobe.  Lighting was very good and the sound was excellent, supported by very clear projection from all the performers.

Carol Hawxwell, Director, should be incredibly proud of how her hard work and creativity came to life with this excellent group of performers.  Sincere congratulations to all involved – it was an hilarious evening and I was delighted to be able to visit your lovely theatre which is definitely a hidden gem in East Yorkshire.

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