Old Actors Never Die...They Only Lose the Plot

St Nicolas Players are to be congratulated for choosing to perform this play and appointing Jules Jones to direct it, for the result of their combined endeavours was the faultless delivery of a cracking farce written by Lynn Brittney. On entering the auditorium, with the curtains drawn back, the audience had sight of the large stage space on which was constructed a great set, beautifully designed by Jules and furnished so that it looked more like a country house hotel than a home for the elderly. (I can verify that such homes do exist in the “real world” for I have been visiting a relative who has been resident in such an establishment for a number of years!) There was much attention to detail in this set including fresh floral displays of orchids (cymbidiums).  

The three former wives of Edmund Sullivan, exquisitely played by Bev Moore (as Phyl), Mandie Collier (as Jules)  and Natalie Mills (as Becca) all gave superb performances, residing comfortably in this home for Retired Theatricals with Edmund paying their bills whilst he continued his philandering elsewhere. These fascinating ladies were pleased to welcome into their midst, as a prospective resident, their old friend Walter Neville (played by the versatile Jed Laxton) – a supposedly gay veteran of 212 film appearances and a confirmed bachelor.

Life was proceeding at a sedate pace and after the interval members of The Pinchbeck Tappers   “rehearsed” a lively and entertaining tap routine. After this a somewhat strange raincoat-wearing male with an obviously false ‘stick-on moustache’ and a dodgy French accent appeared on the scene –  although this individual gave his name as George Faberge there was more of a likeness to the famous Inspector Clouseau; however, it was none other than Edmund Sullivan (played by Michael Barron). Sullivan had resorted to the disguise as he was being sought by Mike Molinsky (convincingly played by Nick Fletcher), a member of the Russian mafia, accompanied by Dmitri, his minder, (menacingly played by Steph Genovese) and Irina (played by Matilda Hoyles-Simpson) a dominatrix with designs on the grief stricken widower Danny Stiller (played by Nigel L Hancocks).  Molinsky believes Sullivan responsible for besmirching his mother’s reputation and murdering her, thus he intends to kill him - but when he learns that his mother is alive and has eloped with a Mexican gardener in Las Vegas, this will no longer be necessary so the Russians can return from whence they came.

This was a great show with supporting roles provided by Arline Evenden (as Anne Thompson), Linda Smith (as Marcia Jones) and Anne Temple (as Mrs T). There was clever characterisation and classy costumes; all those involved in this production deserve praise for their contributions. Well done!

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