Out of Focus

“Out of Focus” is a very well written comedy by Peter Gordon. It was first published in 2002 and updated in 2009. The action takes place in a Church Hall. Helen arrives with a pack of rowdy brownies closely followed by Kath and Bob (a married couple having marital problems) who have booked the hall for a badminton match. They are joined by Linda (Bob’s secretary) and slow witted dreamer Wayne with David and Sue, who have arrived for the big match. Leonard appears, insisting that he has booked the hall for his slide show and talk on historical steam trains. Lastly, vicar’s wife Evonne arrives to begin rehearsals for her first pantomime. Arguments break out and the audience is treated to a hilarious evening of almost non-stop laughter …

The direction by Alison Roberts was excellent. The play was staged well and had a very good pace throughout and the casting was perfect. The cast of nine actors all worked well together and all sustained their characters throughout the performance. Rhiannon George gave a good, confident performance as Helen Beever. Rachel Dobb as Evonne Duckworth, the vicar’s wife who lacks self-confidence, brought out all the humour in the role. Ken Roberts had great comic timing in the role of Bob Enfield. Matthew George was excellent as dopey Wayne Bryant. Esther Poulus also gave a confident and funny performance as Linda Hammond. A very strong and animated performance came from Rebecca Mackenzie as Sue Dixon. Chris Hobson was very funny too as Kath Enfield. Richard Graham gave an assured performance as David Wright. Simon Wolfenden was outstanding as Leonard Trotter he had excellent comic timing and was visually very funny too; this was a performance that I enjoyed very much. Well done to all the cast!

The set was very well constructed and dressed and the scene changes were managed well. The costumes were very good and in keeping with the period. The make-up was very good too. The sound and lighting quality was excellent throughout the play. My only criticism was there were a few prompts during the play; a couple were probably down to first night nerves but some prompts were not really needed; perhaps the prompt could sit in front of the stage area and could then “whisper” a prompt when really needed. However, this is my personal observation and suggestion.

Congratulations to all at Hardingstone Players for this hilarious and highly entertaining production of “Out of Focus” on what was an almost faultless opening night!

CAROLINE JERVIS (DEPUTISING FOR LUKE CAMPBELL)                                                                    NODA EAST MIDLANDS DISTRICT 8 REPRESENTATIVE.       

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