LIFE AND BETH

An unlikely plot for a comedy in this Alan Ayckburn play, but the excellent cast brought out the humour in the dialogue and in pauses and silences!  Undoubted star was Liz McFerran, who played the title role. There was much truth in her performance as recently widowed Beth - often facial expression was enough to induce audience laughter! Wendy Quinn played Connie, the ‘put upon’ spinster sister of the ‘dear departed’, to a “T”. Her private devotion to Rev Grinseed was evident and Robin Masefield was entirely convincing as said cleric.

Simon Richardson made his debut as Beth’s son Martin. Keen to look after his mother on her first Christmas alone, he was typically OTT until ‘something came up’ concerning his caterer girlfriend and they departed! Julie Murphy (girlfriend Ella) had no on stage dialogue at all and just had to shrug her shoulders – difficult enough to act convincingly. I sympathised with Beth’s failed attempts to engage her!

The surprise of the night was the appearance of the ghost of Gordon, Beth’s dead husband - played by Peter LaGrue in a suitable manner, with good make-up and costume. The sudden absolute black-out and restore made his ghostly appearance  very effective. Other Lighting and the Sound effects were good; present day costumes  suited individual choices. The Set and Props were entirely appropriate – I especially liked the hatch to the ‘kitchen’ and the perspective view through the window, which was beautifully painted.

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