One O'Clock from the House

It is rare to find a play with so many characters. This was one. Thirteen cast plus   non- speaking parts , all so different, makes for a most amusing play. The comedy revolves around the funeral of the elderly father who even in death has the last laugh. Besides the three sisters who each think the house has been left to them, we meet their family.  jncluding   a   chef who makes almond cakes minus the almonds, one who is convinced his shopping trolly  is his dog Rover and it can beg and a sister who turns up from the local  psychiatric home. Although being called Mavis , she is  the wrong  family member. Trisha Shorten gives a delightful Mavis who constantly shakes everyone`s  hand , then forgets who they are and gives them new names. The three sisters Miriam, Margaret and Maureen  played by Margaret Parkinson , Carmella Horne and Debbie Eustace each with a totally different characterisation . Josey (Kim Toth )  daughter of Miriam seemed quite bemused by what was going on around her, nice part.

The men were equally strong. Austin (Howard  Clare ) Miriam`s husband  trying  hard to do as he is told,  Tudor the cook (Scott Alker) was. hilarious  with his wellies and yellow jacket. With his wife Avril (Emily Sung) were the comedy duo. playing well together  Bert Halliday  as Mansel,  daft (sorry!!) as ever with his `Dog`,  and  finally,  Desmond  and Hugh played by Mark Bradley and John Dudley.They fitted in with the family  very well.

The play was a little slow at the beginning as it had to set the scene but once it had got going was great, very funny and a credit to the producer finding a play with so many in the cast.

Thank you once again for a lovely evening.

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