LAST TANGO and LAST PANTO IN LITTLE GRIMLEY

What a fun evening, David Tristam really does have a good handle on the workings of an amateur company – which he grossly exaggerates, to make for real humour, which I thought the cast brought out really well, making the most of every comic moment.

The set, although very minimal, was totally correct for the feel of the plays, with excellent lighting throughout, which enhanced the on-stage action.  I liked the part using black out – very inventive, and something that is very up to the minute!

Excellent projection from the cast, I heard every word!

You can’t go wrong with costumes for these plays, and I felt everything worked really well, Margaret had just the right touch of flamboyance and Joyce was more dowdy, but still colourful.  Bernard looked good in his dungarees and work clothes, while Gordon cut a dash as the leader of this motley crew!

I always enjoy the Little Grimley plays, they get to the heart of amateur companies, sometimes kind, sometimes cutting, and always getting under the surface, which makes it all the more amusing – but amplifying each situation as it arises. 

Dave Hillman (Gordon) gave the part the necessary pomposity as the self-appointed leader, showing he was quite happy to ride roughshod over everyone to get what he wanted. 

Susie Conder (Margaret) played the company’s leading light with the right touch of elegance and showing that she knew she was their undoubted star.  Some slightly difficult lines delivered with aplomb – very well done.

Alan Piercey (Bernard), the set builder who was required to appear on stage at times, was spot-on, I loved his rather saucy asides regarding Margaret’s assets, and his attitude in general, a good foil to the other actors.

Sarah Benjamin (Joyce) played the part with such good attention to detail, the downtrodden treasurer and minute taker, who longed to perform in a musical, such a lovely part with plenty of scope, which Sarah used to the full.

I thought it was extremely well cast, with everyone giving full rein to their different characters, creating interest and diversity for the audience, along with truly comic performances that did the plays justice.

A really good evening’s entertainment, which I know the audience enjoyed.  I hope ticket sales reflected the value of the production.

My thanks to TADS for their hospitality, always lovely to catch up with everyone.

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