Fletcher’s Carpet Promotion

Fletcher’s Carpet Promotion
Written by: Dee Parker
Performed at: Backwell Playhouse
Performed by: Backwell Playhouse Theatre Company
Directed by: Dee Parker
Co director: Mike Halstead
Date: 24/04/2025
Rep: Mike Purnell

I always find it quite exciting when going to see a new group. I was honoured
to be invited to the opening night of a brand-new play. This doesn’t happen
very often so it made it extra exciting. There was certainly a nice buzz in the
audience, and I did feel a nice sense of community whilst being in the foyer
before we went through for the production. Thank you for the very warm
welcome we received on arrival and the lovely seats.
So you had me at 70’s sitcom! I remember those days very, very well. Even
now when they are re shown on tv I’m still laughing out loud even though I
know what’s coming. There’s very little today I can imagine re watching in
forty years time.
Let’s just mention the two gents at the beginning of both acts. I must be
honest this didn’t really do it for me. It was obvious we had two good actors
in front of us so maybe it was a little under rehearsed. I sensed a little bit of
improvisation particularly in the second scene which fell a bit flat. I could
understand the reasoning behind adding this, as on speaking to the director
at the end she was worried the play was too short. Maybe in its present form
it could have been performed as a one act? So much theatre these days are
around 90 minutes with no interval so I don’t think anyone would have felt
short changed other than the bar maybe? Obviously this is just my opinion.
So onto the play itself. I loved the idea of the premise I can’t re call any other
sitcom being performed around a carpet store. The set was excellent. I did
smile looking at the settee, as these are all the rage in stores at the moment.
What goes round comes round! It really felt like a small apartment that
Barbara was obviously not used to. The stage was set out extremely well
giving plenty of acting space between the furniture with the hall way set off to
stage left and the little kitchenette to the back. I must say on a small space
such as Backwell Playhouse, I never felt the stage was cramped or any
awkward directing. It all felt very natural and the space you had was used
perfectly.

The Director cast a fine caliber of actors. Ken and Barbara needed to be very

strong and I must say both had a great energy about them, exactly what was
needed. The videos were a great added bonus; those old adverts took us
right back in time. So nostalgic. They really helped set the scene. Comedy is
a very difficult art form it all comes down to timing. There were just a couple
of issues where a punch line or joke weren’t allowed to land, with cast
members coming in slightly too early with their next line. It stops us from
hearing the punchline and doesn’t give any time for laughter, plus we slightly
miss what the next line is. I myself have found this comes with experience
and lots of different tryouts in rehearsal. Just something to bear in mind for
the next production. However, there were many times you gave us laugh out
loud moments. Both the punchbowl and the chandelier were superbly timed.
The cast reactions were spot on. Such enjoyable moments. Well done.
The costumes seemed very suitable as were hair styles and props. All the
colours were very apt for the 70’s. Lighting felt pretty spot on as was sound.

Ken Fletcher
This was a good strong performance full of energy and clear cut diction
across your dialogue. Your love of Barbara was very clear and the fact you’d
do anything for her. The relationship with Barbara felt very real, and I thought
the two of you worked extremely well together. We could certainly feel your
pain at being told she was leaving you. The timing of the chandelier and the
wig coming off was perfection. This was comedy timing at its best. Well done.

Barbara Fletcher
A lovely natural actress. You showed us many sides to your character. The
carefree fun Barbara, the Barbara with the pent-up frustrations (obviously not
happy with downsizing into a small apartment) and the Barbara keeping the
dark secret of wanting to leave her husband. This was all made quite clear to
the audience. Great delivery of lines and good comic timing. I mentioned on
the night you reminded me of Alison Steadman. not a bad thing eh? Well
done.

Costas
Another strong actor who coped very well working with an accent and kept it
up throughout. Some good comic timing and nice expressions which
sometimes speak louder than words.

Susan
What I liked about your performance is you kept engaged throughout. Your
focus was always there even if you had no dialogue. I liked your interactions
with Ray and were very believable.

Ray/Gavin

Really solid genuine performances. Good changes of character too. Both
quite believable. Kept focus throughout and I thought you a strong team
player.

Jean
I loved your performance. Extremely well costumed, you looked very elegant
in the blue. Good delivery of lines and perfect diction. We believed everything
you told us with your eyes. We felt your pain, and loved it when you joined in
with the fun.

Ralph
A very believable straight laced accountant. Must have been difficult being
sat there on view with very little to say but you kept up the focus very well.
Good interactions with Ken.

Shaz
You certainly made your mark. Must be awful waiting so long to make your
entrance, but you did it with gusto and energy.

Mrs Emery
What a nice little cameo. Loved the makeup and costume. Totally believable
nosey neighbour. Would have liked to have seen a bit more of you.

Director
All in al, I hope from this report you can tell I enjoyed it very much. It was
refreshing to see something homegrown and new. It must be tempting to
keep reading, rewriting and trying new things. Nothing wrong with that. Keep
going.
I thought it was directed well. Spacing and pictures created were pretty
natural and felt quite real even in such a tight space. I would have been
tempted to take the volume up of the scene change music (such a good
choice of songs).
I really hope you were pleased with the experience as the audience went
home very happy.
Looking forward to number two in the trilogy.
Thanks for the lovely evening.
Best wishes
Mike

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