My Friend Miss Flint

How can you plan the death of someone who doesn’t exist? “My Friend Miss Flint”, performed by the Digswell Players explained it all!

This is a rather dated English comedy. Nevertheless, in this production directed by Diana Holt, it remained enjoyable due to the competent writing of playwrights Donald Churchill and Peter Yeldham, together with a strong cast.

Tom Lambert was a TV gardening show personality. He’s a fine horticulturist but is completely hopeless when it comes to understanding the taxation system and his own financial affairs. When Tom’s accountant, who happens to be his ex-wife Sarah, confesses that for some time she’s been inventing a fictitious public relations consultant for him as an illegal tax deduction, it throws Tom into a spin. When he discovers ‘Miss Flint’ hasn’t been paying tax on the salary he’s purportedly ‘paid’ her and the taxman is after her, he needs to think fast. But the less than helpful advice of Sarah and others provides comical complications.

Martin Gouldstone gave a very great performance as the confused and out-of-his-depth TV gardener Tom, while Jane Southey was excellent as Sarah, giving the accountant just the right mix of fiery frustration at Tom’s disinterest in his financial affairs and remorse for her own former deceptive and illegal actions.

Bob Thompson stole every scene he was in as Tom’s twice-weekly help. He added delightful nuances of character to his role as Albert, who loved to sneak any opportunity to drink Tom’s alcohol and who gave advice even though he was involved in his own shady tax practices.

Lucy Winston, created quite a strong and amusing character in Lucy, but you need to be careful with enunciation. At times your delivery was a little rushed, slow down and let the audience really enjoy your characterization.

Chris White gave a superb performance as the bogus tax inspector, Mr Dodds. His cleaver use of pause, pace and facial expression made his character one to remember. Well done.

Adrienne Perry, as Inspector CP Lens, was also very good, however, lines were not absolutely secure on the evening I attended but let’s put that down to first night nerves.

Mike Peacock’s set design was excellent and Diana Holt’s direction ensured the actors made the most of the space, with consistently well-paced action.

My Friend Miss Flint was the perfect choice for the Digswell Players and I can’t wait for my next invitation.

Thank you for your generous hospitality

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