Off the Hook

A pair of dubious villains spring Harold Spook out of prison to help them retrieve a suitcase containing stolen money which has been hidden in Hook House Hotel. Soon after booking into the hotel the pair realise that he is the wrong Spook (there were two of them with the same name in prison) and worse still, he is a bit of a halfwit and could very easily jeopardize their plans. Bob Wakelin was well cast in the role of the menacing Fred Baxter, the gang leader, whilst Luke Charles was perfect as his somewhat bungling side-kick and Marshall Peach was quite brilliant as the mild mannered, bemused Harold Spook. His facial expressions and timing were in a class of their own. The hotel was owned by Major Catchpole played very appropriately by Raymond Tongue and what fun Carol Clark had as his flirtatious sex-mad wife Norah, who pursued all the male guests but took a particular shine to Spooks, chasing him all over the place! Edna, Norah’s put-upon sister who is the hotel cleaner and general dogsbody, was superbly executed by Linda Fryer causing much laughter in the audience every time she spoke. Adding to the comedy of the situation was Mrs. Fletcher-Brewer JP on holiday with her daughter, Carol. Pat Atree was ideal for the role of the pompous JP and her daughter was delightfully, if rather quietly, played by Helen Chewter. Towards the end of the play, turning up to also collect the suitcase, is the ‘real’ Spook’s girlfriend, Polly, who of course, is recognised by Harold which leads to hilarious comings and goings. Sarah Papouis gave a polished performance as Polly and Derek Bell was great as her hard-of-hearing, cantankerous father who in the end, turns the tables on Norah as he ‘chases’ her into the kitchen - just as the curtain falls! Everyone complemented each other and their amazing antics were hilarious. The set and props were excellent and full use was made of the numerous doors, stairs and the inevitable cupboard! A thoroughly enjoyable evening was certainly had by me and indeed, by the whole audience. Congratulations to the director and everyone involved.
 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.