Local News

When the ice-cream man is bitten by a badger it looks like becoming headline news, such is the lack of goings on in the sleepy town of Taviscombe. To liven things up a bit, the local newspaper and the police, unbeknown to each other, devise a plan involving robbing the local vet.  All they have to do now is get the vet on side. What could possibly go wrong?

The action flits between the pub, the newspaper office and the police station with remarkable speed.   I was really concerned that having so many of what can almost be described as mini scenes, would slow things down, but this wasn’t the case.  The stage crew, assisted by the cast, moved like greased lightening as flats were flipped, tables and chairs re-positioned, a curtain put up and taken down depending on where we were, while a bookcase doubled as shelves behind the bar.  These changes were made approximately eighteen times and it’s exhausting just thinking about it.  They were though carried out almost seamlessly. So very well done.

The play was well cast with some good characterisations including Alan Barney as Mac, the newspaper boss who appears rather over excited about the news of the badger, Matthew Fyleman as Rufus who seems to have lost the ability to get excited over anything and Will Murray as the not so bright but enthusiastic Richard.  A good performance also from Lizzie McMillan as the rather dim witted Jen playing Snap with Richard to relieve the boredom.  Work experience student Petra had some great lines and I thought Rosie Millar really brought this character to life.  Very well done.

Of the police officers, Maddock, the boss trying to drum up enthusiasm in the job from his rather lack lustre team, was well played by Steve Dunn.  A good portrayal by Tony Pullen of the not terribly bright Charlie and well done to Katherine Koster Shadbolt as the rather dippy Mandy. One can’t help wondering how this character could ever be considered fit for duty in the force!   

A very good performance from Becky Monk as Rachel, the rather over enthusiastic work experience student, usually to be seen with clipboard in hand.  I have been impressed by this actor’s performances on previous occasions. She really immerses herself in her characters, which is exactly what she did here.

Well done also to Tracey Murray as vet Isobel.  She may appear outwardly receptive to the plans involving the theft of her cash, but she has her own agenda.  This twist to the plot was well played out with good use made of the auditorium.  

Last but by no means least, Yvonne Hannant.   I think the audience reaction when she first made her appearance as pub landlady Noreen, really said it all.  This was a good performance which had us all in fits of laughter.  Her delivery was spot on and the fact that the character was costumed to look as though she had just stepped off the set of a soap, was brilliant. Well done to her for taking on this role and really making it her own.

I really enjoyed this production.  It was slick and very well acted throughout. Lighting and sound were good and there was appropriate incidental music.

Thank you for inviting me. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.