Family Planning

This farce by Welsh playwright Frank Vickery is set in the home of the Roberts family which accommodates members from three generations. Head of the clan is Gran (Trish Burgess) who, though she is required to spend the whole of the play confined to bed, delivered a first class performance as a geriatric determined to exercise control over the rest of the family. Her long suffering daughter Elsie (Colette Coleman) gave an excellent portrayal of one who is driven to exasperation by a dominating parent. Tracy (Laura Scott) was most convincing as the pregnant granddaughter who confides in her understanding Gran, but has yet to inform her parents of her condition. Jonathan Tibbs was amazing in his characterisation as Idris Roberts, the nominal head of the family - a work-shy raving hypochondriac whose second home is the doctor’s surgery. Jane Moss as neighbour Maisie Millard, who has long fancied Idris, delivered a most spirited performance in her attempt to seduce him. Zac Colam, as Maisie’s son Jeffrey, a devoted knitter, displayed just a hint of being gay in his movements on stage and is to be complimented in not over-emphasising this aspect of his character. Nathan Shortland making his acting debut playing Bobby – Tracy’s wimpish boy-friend, did extremely well in his efforts to inform Idris of his girl-friends pregnancy. This team of actors must have dedicated a considerable amount of time in developing their respective characters in rehearsal, including the adoption of welsh accents. Congratulations on your presentation of this highly entertaining farcical treat.

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