Enjoy Yourself

I just do not know how the creative team can imagine yet another unlikely scenario on which to base your summer show: Peter Franklin’s ‘Home for Retired Criminals named Paradise Lost’ says it all with a breakout for a heist and burglary of a painting once again giving a chance to show off all that talent and for so many character studies and such fun.

Looking down the programme list, and seeing ‘all the usual suspects’ plus more to offer the abundance of talent in all departments from singing and dance and actions, plus the ‘group’ under Gill Mellor accompanying with vigour. The sets as expected were excellent in style and painting, and as for that ‘Miss Saigon’ helicopter on the Blakeney stage, well that was incredible, and then seeing the interior, inspired. Effects good. Costumes good. This group has it all and not just on stage, a team effort worthy of the packed houses at each performance.

The criminal list gave the opportunity for each to exploit talents and character traits into the story: art forger Sue Andrews being a key lynchpin, Chief Martyn Scott in charge, but Drums Capello Dave Long in command, corrupt judge Alison Mawson in legal byways, Babyface Sam Duncan with useful asides, Light Fingered Lil Sue Matthews vital, chef Luca Borgia Steve Benson to be watched with care and listened to, loved double character bent copper Dave Buckley, getaway driver Marjorie Davies uncertain with helicopter, hacker Gail Woodhouse vital to the plot, and appearing like magic NYHood Harry from Peter Franklin to instigate the heist. Add in care home owner Marie from Barbara Franklin and the great tea lady of Erica Roch plus those named dancing seven carers. And not to forget the villain of the piece CQC Inspector Merle Hooke and her subservient assistant Iain Mawson who want to close the home but suffer the burglary of a forgery and loss of face and money. What a complex web is woven and an unlikely plot to give such amusement, and of course good wins through even for the criminals.

Those regulars in the audience await certain moments and are never disappointed in the wit and quips, the timing, the different turns including Steve in full voice, the ‘tappers’, the many interactions between character types, that fabulous unaccompanied finale act one of the company of 22 in great harmony with ‘Only You’, the zany technical moments of that helicopter, and the full on energetic song and tap dance for all company in their finale ‘Enjoy Yourself’. I am just sorry for those who do not get the opportunity to come to Blakeney on this block of summer Thursdays and miss out on this special team entertainment.

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