Love on the Dole

This play is set in Hankey Park, Salford during the depression of the 1930`s. It tells of one family`s struggle to survive. The Hardcastle family  consists of Mr and Mrs Hardcastle and their two children Sally and Harry. The beginning of the play sees  father Henry and the two children in work although the wages were low. However as time passes jobs are lost and even dole is stopped.

The family were very well cast, Henry and his wife were well played by Howard Clare and Margaret Parkinson. Their son Harry and daughter Sally ( Dan Parkinson and Lisa Kilburn) make a super family. .As the play opens Sally falls in love with Larry Meath (Ben Kilburn). They act so well together and as  the years pass we see the problems this couple are faced with. He eventually falls ill and dies.

Son Harry falls in love with Helen (Alice Pitchford) and on finding that she is to have a baby, unheard of when not married, Sally gives them money to get married. By this time she is the only one working and money is almost non existant .This play is quite sombre and so when the three nosey neighbours put in an appearance they bring in really funny scenes. The trio of Mrs Jike,  Dorbell and Bull were  great . ,well played by Trish Shorten, Maureen Clare and Carmella Horne.
I must congratulate Dan when I heard that this was his first time on stage ,well done. All those taking smaller roles  worked so hard, but I must say that Bert Halliday playing the sleazy Bookmaker,  Sam Grundey was great. His attraction for Sally when he offers to give her a home and of course he had the money which nobody had in those hard times. The final scene gives us an idea of what the family think of her and  yet must accept her help.

I always am impressed with the well constructed sets and they were  well done. Sound was perfect and as usual I was welcomed so warmly. Thank you to all.
 

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