Guttbusters

How refreshing to see a brand new one act play written and directed by KP’s own. I am sure a lot of people will have had experience of the weekly slimming club meeting  in the local village or church hall so what better place for this play about a slimming club, aptly named Guttbusters, than St. Matthew’s Community Centre, so no scenery needed – perfect.

The action takes place on a slightly raised area of the hall and they did make use of some tables and chairs. Lighting and sound were minimal but adequate.

Enter the bubbly and enthusiastic leader of the slimming club Kay (Nicole Bellhouse) to set up ready for the session, helped by Dave (Richard Howard) followed by his partner in crime, as it turns out, Lee (Caroline Smith) dressed all in black and looking very sinister. Then Dee (Gaye Robinson) who likes to sit and do her knitting whilst giving her opinion about things! Phil (Ryan George) bursts in and can’t quite stop himself putting his foot in his mouth by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Other members Anna (Francesca Grant) confesses to being a stripper which rather stops conversation and Dawn/Joanne (Isabella Pemble) seems to be the quiet one and then we have the man of few words Keith (Gordon Harris) but delivers some amusing lines. There we have today’s members of the slimming club, each having their own agendas. 

The meeting is going well until suddenly there is a loudspeaker announcement from the Police who are outside. Lee panics and pulls out a gun to hold the rest of the members hostage. Lee eventually leaves the building, leaving Dave in charge with the gun and the bag of  the, presumably, stolen money. After discussion among the rest of them, Keith eventually volunteers to take the money away hidden in packets of Frosties. The end comes when Dave has the gun, threatening suicide. Kay wrestles with him and the gun goes off! Black out.

Paul and Caroline Ferguson have cleverly written a play about an everyday community event and given it a twist. Eight excellent characterisations by the cast made for a very enjoyable evening.

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