Last of the Summer Wine

Chester-le Street Theatre Group’s  interpretation of one of the latest adaptation from a hit television series, “Last of the Summer Wine” written as a stage play by Roy Clark, and includes a new plot for his main characters and their verbal intentions and character interplay.  In my opinion this was one of the funniest stage plays I have seen this year, and the laughter and appreciation from the audience certainly confirmed that everyone in attendance clearly enjoyed the evening.

Director Michelle Coulson’s interpretation of latest adaptation was excellent, with only a small cast to work with.  You could certainly see from her direction the hard work the cast had undertaken to bring the characters to life, with madcap antics and a cast of rather over eccentric characters.

The whole play is set in Clegg’s dining room, and revolves around Foggy’s attempt to woo the meek Constance, played by Janet Copper, away from hapless Gifford Bewmont, played by Fred Piggford, to whom she has been engaged for fourteen years. Foggy’s attempt to hold a soirée in the attempt to charm the woman of his affection is hampered by Constance’s interfering aunt Nora Batty, played by Susan Haswell, Compo, played by Bill Watson, who unexpectedly gate crashes the soirée, and the catalyst “Flash” is the incursion of a comedy archetype in the shape of a rain-coated flasher who is attempting to publicise his patented device for obtaining inside leg measurements, played by Gary Eglington.

The play revolves around the classic trio of characters, Foggy, Clegg and Compo.  As Foggy, Gordon Richardson played the character showing his military leadership and pomposity except when it came to a crisis and the prospect of marriage. For me Gordon was the key character in this play and certain amazed the audience with his innuendoes and stage presence.  Especially enjoyable was Malcolm Quinn as the gentle, sardonic, anxiety-ridden character Clegg.  Compo was played by Bill Watson who gave a strong performance, a larger than life character who certainly had the audience in stitches when he appeared in Clegg’s late wife’s tartan skirt and blouse.  Janet Cooper, as Constance, gave us a good portrayal of her character, and again had good stage presence.  Nora Batty was played by Susan Haswell who gave us a vigorous performance, including the legendary sagging stockings and northern stern battleaxe performance.  Fred Piggford played the terminally incompetent bicycle rider and bugle player Gifford Bewmont.  Fred gave us a sterling performance in his attempt to catch the flasher, and the rivalry between him and Foggy was well acted.  Flash was played by Gary Eglinton who again had good stage presence and played the part of the flasher well. He interacted well with the cast, and certainly entertained the audience.

This production was filled with high energy and ran at a quick pace, enabling the cast to milk the many gags, one-liners and innuendos written by Roy Clarke for the audience to enjoy.  The set looked great, and even wobbled very authentically, and I loved the use of the serving hatch. The production team worked to a high standard, the lightening and sound effects were good as were the costumes which were good and greatly enhanced the production. The props were excellent, and I particularly liked the badly assembled bookcase which collapsed every time a character moved past it.

Without exception the whole cast worked together, each going that extra mile to deliver a remarkable performance. Well Done Chester-le-Street Theatre Group on an excellent performance.

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