It Runs in the Family

Burtonwood Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society were on stage with their production of ‘It Runs in the Family’ by Ray Cooney. Directed by Mary Anne Gleeson, this is a typical farce, full of mistaken identities and plenty of comings and goings. Mary Anne had a good understanding of what a farce entails, and how to stage it. The comings and goings of the different characters were quick, with the two swing doors stage left and right aiding with these. Pace is essential in a farce; the audience needs to be hit with joke after joke. Mary Anne ensured that the pace was kept up throughout. There were a couple of times where the pace dropped due to missed lines, but overall the pace was good, especially in the physical comedy moments. The projection from all cast was very good; everything could be heard from all members of the cast. The set was constructed well, with grey walls emphasising the drabness of the common room. The tacky Christmas decorations instantly transported the audience to the time the play is set. Costuming was very good throughout, with all character suitably attired. The styling of Leslie was really good, with a colourful Mohican.

Lighting was a general wash, with nothing else needed. Sound effects used were well sourced and cued appropriately. The distant sound of the city below when the window was open was nicely done.

Dr David Mortimore is rarely off the stage, and Rob Minjoot handled the part well. There were a couple of memory lapses, but this did not deter Rob’s performance. Rob went from the in control Mortimore to the exasperated doctor very well. His facial expressions were good and allowed the audience to see what he thought without having to say anything.

Brian Maffitt as Dr Hubert Bonney provided plenty of laughs. This was an assured performance from Brian. The deadpan delivery was good, and similarly to Rob, Brian’s facial expressions were great. The nonplussed reactions to the web of lies really added to the character and to the comedy of the production.

Bianca Tranter did well as Jane Tate. She had built good relationships with the rest of the cast, especially with James, as Leslie. The hysterical moments as the lie snowballed were very funny, and well-acted by Bianca.

James Gleeson did well as the illegitimate son, Leslie. James was line assured and was confident in his movements. He held his own with the adult cast members. A little bit more light and shade would have furthered James’s overall performance.

Pauline Taylor was very sophisticated as Rosemary Mortimore. She had created a believable relationship with Rob, as Mortimore. Pauline added to the comedy with her confused looks as the play went on. The final revelation was delivered well by Pauline.

Traditionally a male presenting character, Dr Connolly was played by Amy Gladwin. Amy did very well in the role. The youthfulness really worked, allowing the audience to understand the superiority of the doctors. Some of the jokes were missed, but this was due to the part being written to be played in the male guise.

The gender swapped Dame Wilhelmina Drake was an inspired choice. Rebecca Denton really embodied the role as the snooty chair of the hospital, becoming more drunk, and dishevelled, as the play went on. The drunk flirting with Mortimore was very funny.

Matron is a great comedic role, and it was obvious that Leigh Nash loved every second of it. Leigh was completely over the top with the character, which is how it should be. The physical comedy from Leigh was top notch, especially going upside down on the wheelchair.

Martin Dowler did well as the straight character, the Police Sergeant, trying to keep order amongst all the chaos. He received a well-deserved round of applause for his findings, which were well delivered with a sense of authority.

John Hickey did well in the tricky role of Bill. This is a hard role as he is introduced late on in the play and needs to make an impact straight away. Some of the jokes delivered didn’t land as they should have, but the physical comedy, both in and out of the wheelchair, was executed well.

Izzy Nash contributed well in the small role as Sister. It was a confident and assured performance.

Bonney’s Mother (who wasn’t named in the programme) was convincing with a lovely cameo role. She developed a good relationship with her onstage grandson, Leslie.

Overall, this was a good production. There were some very good performances, great comedic moments and good direction.

Thank you to BAMADS for the kind invite and hospitality. All the best for your next production.

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