Give us a sign

 

A recently released play, almost a modern sit-com style comedy, fun and funny, good mix of characters for the cast, and giving a feel-good atmosphere on a miserable wet evening. This is the third production by the players since the release from covid restrictions and it was very well supported with a good audience.

As expected from the players, a very good and practical box set and the costumes appropriate, the lighting was clever with the ‘effects’ for the paranormal.

Domestic scene of out of work (made redundant) Kev Lockwood from Zac Sowter waiting for working wife, and the comments about lack of job, just filling in betting slips, not prepared meal, and we think about yet another also run play, but this is different. This is a huge role with a lot of words to learn and actions to perform, we were not disappointed by this really vigorous interpretation from Zac as he astonished wife Rachel (Isla Butcher) with announcement of new occupation as a clairvoyant (in spite of knowing nothing about it).

Amazingly he gets away with this scenario: a visit from MI5 Lawrence Pearce (Jack Morter) and a signing of Official Secrets; he knows a charlatan when he meets one but wants this performance. Seems disappearance of famous scientist is begging interest from Russia and USA and they may appear with questions. A serious role for this agent as he sets up the situations.

What a great character role for Russian spy Nadia Kovlova from Joan Hocking, a dream part as vamp and spy and wheedling out information regarding the scientist’s whereabouts (supposedly dead).

And on the other side the sodden and drunken CIA agent Chuck Bush from Lawrence Barnett also trying for the same information, another cameo character.

The surprise of the play is the appearance of ‘the ghost’ during the séance, Professor Alice Richards played by Margaret White (in white and flickering lights), quite putting off the clairvoyant.

Suffice it to say that both Russian and American were convinced of the scientist death and lack of papers with latest discovery. But the twist in the tale comes with the appearance of her not as a ghost but real and keeping the British with the knowledge of her non-death and safety of secrets.

A fun comedy offering some good character roles, excellent pace, and an amusing evening out.

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