It Runs in the Family

This was another highly amusing play I have had the pleasure of seeing in a period of two weeks. This one was written by Ray Cooney, an exceptionally talented writer of ‘farce’. This hilarious ‘hospital caper’ had doctors, nurses, matrons and various family members in abundance all set in the staff room. (not a ward in sight).  The set was very cleverly arranged for good exits and entrances, the furnishings and props were excellent but the really brilliant piece was a long window across the back through which we saw some of the funniest scenes both outside and coming through it. My complements to the technical team and set builders for an outstanding effort.

I don’t really know where to begin reporting on the various and incredibly varied members of the cast of twelve as there wasn’t a weak link amongst them. They all looked the part, were well costumed and guaranteed to cause huge amusement especially when pretending to be someone other than themselves regardless of sex or age.

Dennis Manning had the most demanding role as Dr. Mortimore, an ambitious go-getting individual whose past catches up with him in the form Debra Thurley with whom he had an affair 18 years and 9 months previously. Her son Leslie, performed outstandingly by Craig Bunce, is determined to find daddy having been told the truth on coming of age. Dennis and Craig gave the two most outstanding performances but this in no way belittles the rest of this outstanding cast.

Debra and Laine Watson, Mortimore’s long suffering wife were both excellent but totally different, and Andrew Bates as Dr Bonney was a sheer delight and a laugh a minute in his Friar Tuck and matron outfits. Strange as it may seem I think my favourite character was the only patient in the whole show Roger Kidd, whose dialogue consisted of one-liners and spent all his time in a wheelchair (apart from the occasional nip across the stage for a top up of whisky). All the other six gave great supporting performances giving the whole show a touch of professionalism.

Please send my congratulations to Andrew for his excellent direction.

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