Off The Hook

When Derek Benfield wasn’t appearing on TV playing the husband of luminaries such as Hetty Wainthrop he spent his time writing comedies (14 to be exact). “Off The Hook”  penned in 1970 was his ninth. This fast moving 10 hander has all the classic elements of farce. 

Director, Lesley Haworth, expertly created this mad whirlwind of a production. Using all the rules of farce which demand that although the characters are acting strangely, driven by a host of daft situations, they must never go so far over the top that the audience conclude they are not real people. Therein lies the fundamental element of farce. It must convince those watching that these situations may just, taken with a massive pinch of salt, be plausible. Lesley mustered her characters with precision to achieve a most entertaining afternoon in Clitheroe enjoyed by all present. With theatre audiences still re-establishing themselves after C****, the society had decided to forego a Saturday evening performance to stage a matinee instead. I will be interested to hear feedback as to how this experiment went as it may be a way forward for other societies to consider. Perhaps for dramas rather than musical theatre.The plot revolves around the antics of two robbers who have sprung a third robber from jail in order that he may lead them to recover the proceeds of a theft. This takes them to a hotel where they realise they have in fact got the wrong man. Read on from here!

I always look forward to seeing the latest Brian Haworth set. They are always exceptional . Brian and Mick Gidlow did it again. They had conjured up a shabby hotel reception room with plenty of appropriate decorations that exquisitely fittied the requirements of the play.

Kelly Steed as Edna, the put upon, (well in her mind that is), receptionist set the bar high for the rest of the cast. She made us all smile just by looking at her.

Matt Haworth and Joe Kitching as Fred and Charlie were convincing as two crooks. They were dressed in true baddy style by Jean Pells.I particularly loved their hats offering Joe extra bits of business to do when his headgear frequently fell off. Joe's grimaces were highly amusing. Matt played the part of the leader with a touch of menace: very hard to do in a farce. Well done. The hotel proprietor Major Catchpole, Peter Lambert, was suitably welcoming, confused and bamboozled by all the strange goings on. Daryl Dewhurst, the sprung Spook, played his part with a wonderful sense of innocent detachment.Ever keen to capture a man Sue Paramore as Norah dashed about the stage with abandon in her frustrated attempts to lure someone willing to share her bed. We knew what she was up to every time she appeared yet Sue kept us laughing. Then enter the local JP the suitably double barrelled named Mrs. Fletcher-Brewer. Geralyn Lambert was completely at ease in this role giving us a well considered interpretation. As her daughter Carol, Sophie Zakrezewski was confident. Late arrivals to the mayhem were Barry Philips as Mr. Parkinson and Samantha Smith as Polly. They both hit the ground running, adding significant colour, not to mention confusion.

Lesley Haworth had taken every chance to introduce little bits of business. These added so much to our enjoyment. In fact I venture to suggest the walk-in cupboard became a character in its own right!

Lighting was simple yet well managed.  While sound was once again ably designed by John Ormerord of Conncted4Sound. 

This was a marvelously enjoyable production. Congratulations to the entire team responsible for its success, allowing us a couple of hours away from the troubles of the world, sending us out into the streets again with happy thoughts. 

Catherine, your welcome is legendary. Thank you.

PRM.

 

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