NATURAL CAUSES

NATURAL CAUSES, a black comedy written by one of Britain’s top comedy writers, Eric Chappell.  This production was given an entertaining airing by the ‘Too Friendly Theatre Company’ under the direction of Mark Haygarth at Southport Little Theatre. 
The story is, to say the least, somewhat complex!  Walter Bryce lives in a large country house which has a lovely garden! Vincent is from Exodus, a euthanasia group that assists people in suicide.  When Vincent is invited to Walter's house to assist in the disposal of Walter's wife, Celia, he senses something isn’t quite right! Why are the suicide notes unsigned? Why does Walter have plans for a Caribbean Holiday and to buy a new car?  How does Angie, Walter's attractive secretary, fit into all of this? Who contacted the Samaritan and why? Will anybody die willingly or un-willingly of Natural Causes?  Confused......you should be!
Bringing this mayhem to life was a great cast of five, led by the very talented Cliff Gillies who played the part of Vincent, the bumbling employee of Exodus who almost, inadvertently, kills off most of the cast.  Cliff’s characterisation, mannerisms and humour were brilliant and well received by all those present.  Neil Wood played Walter Bryce, a writer and husband of Celia, who called in Exodus to help his wife in her suicide attempt. Neil gave a great performance and portrayed the character of Walter really well throughout.  Helen Haygarth played Walter’s depressed wife Celia. Again the characterisation was excellent and the subtle humour was evident throughout. Then there was Angie, Walter’s flirtatious/scheming secretary, the influence behind the plot played by Tracey Holmes-Smith and finally the fifth member of the cast ‘Withers’ the girl from the Samaritans played Susan Fryer, who’s arrival added even more mayhem and confusion to the proceedings.  Both Tracey and Susan played important roles within the storyline and both were a perfect fit and played their parts well.  This was a good show; all five characters worked well together. Comedy timing was really good, with some hilarious one liners and the physical bits believable, even ‘Rupert the Rubber Plant’ changed with the times and deserved a bow (or should I say a ‘wilt’) at the end!   
The single set was uncomplicated yet set the perfect tone for the intrigue/mayhem that ensued and allowed for subtle changes, especially around the door that led to the garden and with ‘Rupert’, it all worked really well and was quite impressive. 
Lighting was good throughout, although I was a little confused by the two bright lights used during the final scene change. If I’m honest, I really wasn’t sure why or what they were used for, but it didn’t detract from the overall performance! 
Congratulations to all involved at ‘Too Friendly’ for bringing this production to the stage. 
It was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. 

Thank you for inviting us and your hospitality throughout was very much appreciated.
Look forward to seeing you for your next production.

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