Make Way for Lucia

Based on E.F. Benson’s Mapp and Lucia novels this, John van Druten, stage adaptation was a delight from start to finish. Refreshingly free from moralising, metaphor or any message for the modern world; here was a study in genteel one-upmanship within a southern English town set in the 1930s. 

The two main protagonists, Elizabeth Mapp and Emeline Lucas, respectively played by Barbara Llewellyn and Beth Crozier, were wonderfully cast and well matched. No Margaret Rutherford or Peggy Mount battleaxes these but far more sophisticated with gentle verbal jousting, mild manipulation and only a modicum of petty larceny and forgery. Both actresses could convey their displeasure by a raised eyebrow or a thin smile, with mockery and inward delight visible through a twinkle in the eye. Lucia’s partner in the campaign to displace Mapp from her lofty position as the leading socialite in Tilling was George Pillson or Georgie. Terry Cole embraced this role with a Goldilocks-like relish – not too masculine, not too camp but just right. His movement and posture, combined with his oh, so expressive face, created a persona that was a joy to behold. The scenes with lecherous Major Flint, so well done by Peter Nerreter, were extremely funny as Georgie and the Major competed for Lucia’s attention.

The set was it's usual high standard, including an Adam fireplace and a fully carpeted floor, while scene changes were long enough only to allow the actors time to change costume. Overall this was a hugely enjoyable production that had me smiling, chuckling, then laughing throughout.

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