Out Of Focus

Plays by Peter Gordon can usually be relied upon to produce lots of laughter, but this one seemed to miss the mark a bit.  The dialogue seemed over worked and, despite the sterling efforts of the director and cast, it didn’t give me the same enjoyable feeling that I got from previous comedies by this author.   The company did well to milk the play for all the comedy and, although it was a little pedestrian at times, it moved at a reasonable pace. 

The cast can make or break any productions and Thurrock Courts Players assembled a strong cast for this production. Jill Snelling played the snooty Helen Beever perfectly, she has great comedy timing and is always a joy to watch. 

Wayne Prince and Lisa Chapman made a very good pairing as Bob and Kath Enfield.  Wayne is especially good at characters and this was another good performance.  Lisa played the waspish and over jealous wife to perfection.

Victoria Grayling was excellent as the vicar’s wife Evonne Duckworth.   I particularly enjoyed the party scene, but all her performance was enjoyable to watch.  

Shaun Crisp was very good as Wayne Bryant, playing the under confident, bragging young man very well.   Dave Carey was a tour de force as Leonard Trotter, the character was perfectly done, even down to the walk!  It put me in mind of the late John Scowen, and this is a complimentary as I can get. 

Killian McIntosh took the part of Dave for this performance, and the cast was completed by Stephanie Firth (Sue Dixon) and Linda Hammond (Anna Catchpole).  I understand that there were several cast changes during the rehearsals, so well done to all the cast for a coherent production.

Once again, a well-designed set that worked perfectly, it isn’t credited in the programme, but I would guess it was supplied by Paul Lazell.  Costumes were good, I liked the panto costumes particularly!

It’s a pity that the script was not one of John Gordons best, but the company did a very good job with it. 

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