Lend Me A Tenor

Hysterical farce written by Ken Ludwig set in the 1950s, when ‘Il Stupendo’ Tito Merelli, prepares to perform Otello at a fundraiser for the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. With a tastefully designed hotel suite, the well-cast characters portrayed a world of mistaken identity, innuendos, numerous entrances and exits expertly timed, directed by Marilyn Chandler.

Douglas Morgan professionally designed the hotel suite set, an elegant lounge area with so many white, well operating doors. The stage was centrally divided with yet another door leading into the bedroom, again with entrance door, cupboard and bathroom door. All used with precision particularly in the amazing long rush rush finale which was so well executed - hilarious. Decor was subtle in pale blue, the rooms furnished well, good props including the all-important well used telephone and had particularly attractive wall light fittings. Set builders and painters take a bow.

Mike Cotton maintained his broken English in a perfect Italian accent both in his script and vocals using wonderful facial expressions, was most athletic during the bizarre confusing fast paced action required for his character of a world-famous tenor Tito Merelli. The matching Otello character blue period costumes with particularly good white face makeup were first class, causing such confusion.

Tito’s hot blooded, vocal, jealous, suspicious wife was Katharine Drew, dressed in a stunning bright red dress and flashy jewellery complimenting her dark hair, shouted at him magnificently! Peter Coleman played a solid constantly worried, authorative, always in a hurry Henry Saunders, General Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, his American accent sometimes slipping from his huge amount of script. His starry-eyed daughter Maggie, besotted by Tito’s singing, constantly appearing and hiding, even seducing her own boyfriend Max by mistake - was played by Georgia Jones. Saunder’s assistant Max Garber,  wannabe opera singer who is talented but lacking confidence, steps into the breach. Lovely comedy role performed by Timothy Peck. Diane Harris characterised Julia, confused Chair of the Opera Guild fundraising committee with poise. Jayne Cottrell played the seductive soprano Diana, somewhat besotted by Tito but failing to turn his head with her attention. Adding to the confusion as Bellhop was Nick Hale-White with just the right amount of cheek in his bright red livery trimmed in gold.

Altogether a very funny romp full of double entendres, well directed and performed with the necessary speed.

Geoff Guilder and Sylvia Coleman were charged with dressing the cast and I have to say the ladies looked splendid in their sparkling evening dresses with appropriate accessories, make up and hair styling. The men too in evening tail dress looked smart. The Otello costumes changes including the character makeup applications and slick removal most comical and effective.

Summerheath Hall, this year is celebrating its centenary, is an ideal venue for drama with its wide well-curtained stage. Both the sound effects designed by Gareth Butland and lighting system Daniel Shorter were efficient using well-chosen incidental music.

A raffle was organised and the ladies who prepared the interval refreshments should be mentioned too, their cakes looked delicious. I noticed their society embroidered black aprons – a very nice touch. A bar was manned at the back of the hall, and there was a welcoming atmosphere.

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