Keeping up Appearances

Keeping up appearances is one of those programmes that was so deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness that the mere mention of an invitation to a Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet) candlelight supper sent people fleeing.  Staging a theatre production of Roy Clarke’s classic television sit com was an ambitious undertaking yet, under the direction of Michelle Coulson, members of Chester le Street Theatre Group certainly made the most of the new script written especially for the stage. 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.

Susan Haswell had the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket. From the onset I felt that Susan gave an excellent portrayal of the overbearing character, and I loved the way the play had been brought up to date with some clever new catchphrases.  As Hyacinth is not in her residence she relies on her mobile phone to communicate with her beloved son Sheridan and her rich sister Violet, yes the one with the Mercedes, swimming pool and room for a pony.  Gone is the “The Bouquet residence, the lady of the house speaking” and in its place in an equally pretentious manner “you have reached the personal mobile telephone of Hyacinth Bouquet, this is she speaking”  I equally loved the ring tone of “The Sound of Music”, excellent and very funny. Playing the nervy next door neighbour Elizabeth was Elizabeth Morris, who also gave an excellent portrayal of the character, with good stage presence and not a broken piece of Hyacinth’s cherished Royal Doulton with the hand painted periwinkles in sight.  Lawrence Clark, playing Emmet, give us a good portrayal of the highly strung character, and there was some good acting and chemistry between Elizabeth, Hyacinth and his character.  Bill Watson gave a good performance as Onslow, and it was nice to see the character in a shirt although that was short-lived. Karen Scott was great as the slovenly Daisy.  Her characterisation was first class and I loved the chemistry between her character and Onslow.  Annette Morris gave us a very funny portrayal of Hyacinth’s youngest sister Rose.  With her love for married men and short provocative clothing she gave a very funny and strong performance, as did Darren Dyson as Daddy which, although a small cameo role was very funny. Two new characters appear in the play;  Milly, played by Grayson Wood, a computer geek who catches the roaming eye of Rose, and Mrs Debden, played by Jillian Reay, the formidable chair of the local charity committee. Both gave good performances and complemented the known characters.

Praise must also go to the production team, back stage support and especially wardrobe. The costumes were in character, especially Rose who looked great. Special mention must go to the front of house team for their kindness and hospitality shown, much appreciated. This production certainly gave the audience something to remember and fans of the original television show would not have been disappointed by the hugely enjoyable production. Well done to all those involved and congratulation to everyone at Chester le Street Theatre Group. Well Done

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