Kindly Leave the Stage

I never know how Bramrocks and Elizabeth Ridley Thomas manage to create (and fit on stage) such an excellent set and this was definitely up to the anticipated high standard, with all furnishings and props in place.

An interesting play within a play although we are not told until some way in (having seen this play before, I did know) when a prompt is given. Very clever with the two couples playing to the opposite halves and the disagreements rise to the surface as the relationships develop. First time Director Robert Coyle managed the balance of characters and story very well and kept the pace going. It must have been especially difficult for him as standing in as Rupert in the cast, a role with a huge amount of dialogue. And standing in as his play wife, Sally Lloyd had only been in the role three weeks, but none would have known. So well done to both. Jaci Evans as Madge (Rupert’s real wife) carried out her flirtations and quarrelling in style, very competent and fluent, and enjoyed playing to the ‘adulterer’. With divorces likely and two lawyers in this cast, the plot certainly became quite twisted and loved how the words went round in circles, quite difficult to remember where to come off the carousel. As Charles, Ken Holbeck was the smooth philanderer in love with someone’s wife, but did not reckon on the death threat from the wronged husband, all very heated.

Add in a visit from Mrs Cullen (mother) speaking her mind and stirring up the plot, Sandra Barker excellent in this character role, commanding the stage and stamping out the nonsense. And she is the one to explain about the ‘name above the title’ on the play bills ready for the appearance of the rather drunken (has-been) character Edward from Clive Gordon who managed all that Shakespeare dialogue in style and full volume, well done.

To the prompt Angela by Rosalind Middleton who is an important part of the action, especially when she cannot get the curtain down; and the cameo role of Nurse from Beth Marshall.

Called a ‘comedy thriller’, we certainly had some laughs in this unlikely scenario, a good evening out (must have been better than Eurovision!).

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