Laying The Ghost

Margot Buchanan is an ageing ex-actress now living in a theatrical retirement home and with the help of her fellow resident, Freda, she is celebrating her birthday. Margot is visited by a young actress who’s is having an affair with her ex-husband, Leo, who’s current wife, Judy, also visits Margot. Both ladies have ulterior motives as to why they are visiting Margot and the scene is set for confusion, chaos and arguments. There is no love lost between these ladies. Leo Buchanan then arrives unexpectedly to wish Margot a happy birthday and to try and evade yet another scandal. However, she cannot forgive him for all his affairs and the way that he has behaved in the past.                                                                                              throughout the play the story line follows a painting of Margot in her younger days. Lots of misunderstandings here: Has the painting been sold? If so, where is the money? Leo gives the painting back to Margot (he bought it!).                                     As always, there is a twist at the end of play.  During Leo’s visit he has a heart attack and dies but returns as a ghost who is only heard and seen by Margot’s dotty psychic friend, Freda.                                                                                                 This sets up the next scenes for more confusion as Leo tries to sort out the issues between the three women. Also within this mix is Mrs Kidd, the home’s manage, who tries her best to keep things on an even keel. Not an easy job.

This wonderful play has comedy and pathos in equal measure and was well directed by Heather Boulby with a very strong and confident cast. Each one excelled in their roles with great timing, characterisation, and delivery of speech.  

Karen Kirkup as Margot Buchanan perfectly played this very demanding role. Bossy, quick-tempered and not afraid to swear, she could also display moments of gentleness. Karen’s characterisation was spot on.                                                  Likewise, Jane Fellows as Freda, whom everyone thinks is gaga as she can see and hear ghosts. Freda has some of the funniest and cutting lines in the play and Jane did not throw any of them away as they were essential to the plot.                         Her mannerism matched the character to a “t”. Sadie Croft (Anna-Marie Fearnley) was exactly right as the young actress who came to see Margot to ask her for guidance in her forthcoming role as Juliet. However, she was having a love                   affair with Leo, no doubt hoping he would help with her career. To ensure that things went her way she was going to blackmail Leo using letters and photographs as proof of their affair.                                                                                                   The other lady in Leo’s life is his current wife, Judy, with Amanda Gill giving a great performance being pompous and graceful with a plum accent. These two ladies were worlds apart and this came across very strongly. 

Not only did Heather Boulby direct this wonderful production but she also effortlessly played Mrs. Kidd, a lovely, caring and ever-smiling lady all the while trying to keep the residents and visitors happy. John Varlow played Leo Buchanan - what chance did this man have trying to pacify these ladies? John’s performance was just great, especially when he became his ghost, with again some very funny dialogue. It is always very difficult for other members of a cast to ignore a character          that is a ghost, but in every scene it worked brilliantly.The other supporting roles were the Italian kissogram Superman, undertaker, and home help all played by Chris Brannick. Chris’s appearance as Superman was hilarious. Well done, Chris. 

The ending of the play was unexpected. After Leo’s death, the ladies buried their differences and Margot agreed to burn Sadie’s love letters. Unfortunately, she not only set fire to the letters but the shed and herself as well.                                       She too turned into a ghost to be met by her true love, Leo.

In this first-class production there were many funny and hilarious scenes all made possible by good direction and an excellent cast who worked very well together. Plus, of course, a great set and props working extremely well on the small stage.

Thank you for the laughter which I need so much these days. Thank you also for the invite and hospitality and I look forward to you next production.

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