Mother of All Parties

‘Mother of All Parties’, a new play written by Neale Winter, introduces us to four adult siblings who get together for an evening meal to try to organise a surprise 70th party for their mother. The dinner goes disastrously wrong and unexpected guests arrive creating unexpected problems. There are desperate attempts to cover up and deceive their way out of the crazy situation which results in chaos, panic and mayhem!

The main tabs opened on yet another Entertainers Team well designed and attractive set - even houses outside the windows this time - and the furniture and properties were fitting for the piece.

In the role of the delightfully gormless Katie, Rachel Barnes opened the play. With so many small accidents to stage it was not an easy task and, I understand that Neale was setting the scene as to her ditzy character, but perhaps it went on just a little too long. As the play progressed she had countless wonderful opportunities to reinforce that first impression and she played the part very well.

Once Tracy came on stage the pace picked up and continued throughout the play. In that role Lauren Allen was superb and had the most wonderful facial expressions.

The first brother on the scene was Max played by Robert Garner who was convincing as the brash, cocky businessman, at least until Deb came onto the scene and we saw him for what he really was – a man dominated by an even more opinionated wife. As Deb, Rachel Wells’ acting was good. She was unbelievably rude to everyone, dismissive and arrogant and she came across as a most unlikeable person.

Tom did brilliantly as Dave, surprisingly chauvinistic for one so young and, as is the way these days, attached to his mobile ‘phone for most of the time.

Jessie who was wonderfully tarty in appearance, a complete contrast to the other women, was played strongly by Sarah Poore and it must have been fun role to take. One or two of her lines were slightly indistinct though as her hair kept falling across her face.

The peacemaker in the family was Ben, a gentle soul who coped admirably with Katie’s clumsiness and dim wits, and Luke gave his usual accomplished and completely natural performance.

Steve Smith was matchless as Trevor. The part suited him down to the ground and I really liked the contrast again between him and the other men in the family. Loved the football outfit and socks!

The unsuspecting Mother who arrived, because Katie had, as usual, not thought anything through, had a bit of a battle to compete with the various characters on stage but in the second act Maggie Dean held her ground as Nora.

Mike did a great job as her forgetful new man-friend Norbert and his West-country accent was convincing.

Being a Pizza Delivery man held unimagined complications for Daniel Milton and from his  entrance the play became quite frenetically funny. The business with the pan, his finding bodies and being tied up – I haven’t laughed so much for ages! Daniel Milton played the role well.

Ayse Dogan–Winter made a charming neighbour, Alara, and her characterisation was praiseworthy.

Both diction and timing were absolutely excellent. Little things like the business when Alara is trying to take back her handbag and it’s removed just as she’s about to grasp it, all the frying pan business and much, much more.

Rehearsals must have been great fun!

The freeze at the end of Act One and opening of Act Two – to start where we left off - was effective and of course Norbert’s predisposition to narcolepsy – we all thought he’d died -  was a surprise for the unsuspecting audience.

Toward the end there were shades of Basil Fawlty in Max as things become even more frantic, and a Del Boy moment when Dave leans and falls over.

Trevor had some hysterical one-liners too delivered in Steve’s inimitable style.

Lighting and sound were good and also the choice of music.

Neale produced a complex farce, which is no easy task, and everyone on stage rose to the challenge and provided a thoroughly entertaining evening.

I loved the diversity of the characters and the way they all came to life in the hands of the talented players on stage.

All in all a great success - well done everyone!

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