Gym and Tonic

Once again The Players came up trumps with this dramatic performance. On their first night they showed every confidence in their roles as they tackled a humorous script examining the mid-life crisis of Don Weston struggling with the recognitions that he was out of place at the health spa and that the distance between him and his wife was growing. In this role, the comedic timing of Alex Kemp was clear as he tried to cope with the aerobics class, squash and massage. The scenes with Lynne Hurst as Chloe the masseuse were a hoot. Chris Mitchell as Shirley Weston struck a chord as a wife trying hard to find herself and to revive their marriage. In her keenness to try everything she was a real foil to her husband’s reluctance to take part. Their reconciliation was nicely restrained. The superior, classy Gertrude, shedding advice was well drawn by Kate Halliday.  Chris Catlin as the automaton sporty type Ken Blake was confidently played as was the delightfully enthusiastic aerobics instructor Zoe, played by Louise Fairnie. All players developed their roles and made the scenes in the aerobics and spa credible, including the correct Bellboy. The sets, principally the residents’ lounge which was turned round as backdrop to the garden scene, were attractive, appropriate and seemingly easily moved. Props, such as the aerobic steps and the massage trolley, set the scenes and costumes were all in keeping with the time and place. Smooth and slick from start to finish- well done to all.

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