Inspector Drake and the Time Machine

This was my first visit to the Harlequins! Two nights before I had been at The Grand Theatre in Blackpool and now I was at Freckleton Memorial Hall a little less grand but what a lovely experience. This small but “beautifully formed” hall had been transformed into a very welcoming little “Theatre”. The company has been in existence for five years and in that time they have overcome the limitations of the venue to produce a very special evening. As the hall is used extensively for other activities the Harlequins had only a short time to be ready for opening night. The enthusiasm and talent of set builders, lighting and sound and backstage crew ensured all was ready on time.

This very funny play had the audience laughing from scene one and the farcical antics of the cast ensured we went home with a smile on our faces. Set in 1950 and then on a Zircon Space Cruiser in 2950 we were treated to an abundance of funny and witty dialogue, so quick in fact, we were still thinking about the last joke when the next one came along. The set built on a dais at one end of the hall was simple but adequate and I never cease to be amazed at the ingenuity of these Amateur set designers working in such a limited area. The sound engineer has produced some excellent effects and coupled with some imaginative lighting was essential to the success of the evening. All on stage are to be congratulated on a splendid evening. My wife and myself enjoyed the way the audience were sitting at  tables as opposed to normal theatre seating and the hotpot and apple pie at the interval ensured a return visit. Thank you Harlequins for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

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