Keeping Up Appearance

Staging a theatre production of Roy Clarke’s classic television sit com ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ is ambitious and Monifieth Amateur Dramatics rose to the challenge undertaking a script written especially for the stage with clever nods to todays world.

 The action is centred around a church hall where social climber Hyacinth is showing her new painting “Willows by Moonlight” at the local art exhibition. At the same time and in the same venue her long-suffering neighbour Emmet is directing a play for the local amateur dramatic company, and is determined to go to extreme lengths to keep Hyacinth out of the play.  When Hyacinth hears that the part of Lady Melvern is yet to be cast, nothing will stop her from taking this role.

Rhoda Burke gave an excellent energetic portrayal of the overbearing Hyacinth and I easily recognised the development and effort made to embody this well-known character in her mannerisms and facial expressions delivering many extremely funny moments.

Playing the nervy next door neighbour Elizabeth was Nicky Stewart, who also gave an excellent portrayal of the character, with good stage presence. Euan Smith delivered the highly strung persona of Emmet with ease. The chemistry between Elizabeth, Hyacinth and Emmett was highly believable.  John Hunter hilarious as Onslow, was cast well alongside Karen Scott as the slovenly Daisy.  Shelagh Phillips-Robertson gave us a very funny portrayal of Hyacinth’s youngest sister Rose alongside a strong comedy performance from Donald Fraser as Daddy which, although a small cameo role was very memorable. 

Lesser known characters Isaac Devereaux played Edward Milson, a computer geek who catches the roaming eye of Rose, and Mrs Debden, played by Mel Forrest, the formidable chair of the local charity committee. Both gave good performances and complemented the known characters.

Praise to all involved in bringing this entertaining play to the stage. Well Done Wilma Low on your directing debut. You could see a great deal of hard work and thought had gone into getting this production just right. Thank you, MAD, for a lovely evening.

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