Out of Focus

Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society kindly invited me to review their latest production: ‘Out of Focus.’ A Comedy by Peter Gordon.

Director Lesley Haworth created a fantastic show that had the audience laughing aloud from the outset. It was vibrant and energetic, with great character acting from a strong cast. The set, designed by Brian Haworth, was effective and spacious. A church hall, with an open hatched kitchen area to the right of the stage. Coat hooks and a notice board adorned the walls, with chairs and tables set so that the cast could move them as the script required. The kitchen had an exit stage right, which led to the outside of the church, where an unseen rowdy Brownie troupe were gathered waiting for a jamboree. On the left wall was a doorway for entrances, whilst centre stage exited both ways, onto a corridor that led to the church interior. Lesley had a well-co-ordinated stage crew bringing her vision to life, all working under the watchful eye of Stage Manager: Ian Rimmer.  Lighting, courtesy of Paddy Keane and John Bradshaw was bright, in keeping with a church hall. Sound by John Ormerod (Connected4Sound) was clear with no feedback or sound dropouts.

An unfortunate overbooking of the Church Hall, by Evonne, the Vicar’s wife, results in a gathering of local characters. As chaos ensues, they all finally agree to be in the Church pantomime. During the rehearsal weeks leading to the opening night of the pantomime, alliances are forged and switched. With tensions culminating backstage after the final performance.

Playing the formidable Brownie Leader, diva, and general thorn in everyone’s side: Helen Beever was Jean Croft. Jean was jolly funny in this role, she was overbearing, bossy and belligerent, her distain for Evonne obvious. Jean gave a robust performance, her diction was clear, her comedy timing excellent.

Lisa Richardson played the highly strung Vicar’s wife: Evonne Duckworth. Lisa was great in this role, constantly second guessing herself, her dialogue delivered rapidly but concisely. Her nervous energy showed in her actions, her hands fidgeting, her whole demeanour self-depreciating. I thought her scene as the ‘ugly sister’ was very humorous, her range of facial expressions impressive.

Stephanie Zakrzewski played Sue Dixon. The character of Sue was, by far, the least chaotic on stage. Slowing courting and falling for David, her character had a well-placed cheeky sense of humour. Stephanie was confident and clear, with great comic timing and well delivered witty retorts.  

Damian Marsh was hilarious as Bob Enfield. Bob is married to Kath, with whom he is in constant argument. His sexy secretary Linda being the cause of the strife. Damian was fabulous as the worrying, weedy, husband. He constantly made the audience laugh with his reactions and facial expressions. Damian has great comedy timing and is an accomplished character actor.

Kath Enfield, wife of Bob, was played by Dawn Elliot-Field. Poor Kath is trying to stop her husband from straying whilst being confronted constantly by Linda. The character of Kath was strong willed, a woman fighting for her marriage amidst chaos around her. Dawn played her character with depth and a good deal of well-timed comedy. A great performance from Dawn.

Linda Hammond, the sexy secretary and cause of Bob and Kath’s woes was played by Wendy Watson. I thought Wendy was fantastic in this role. Her pouty lips and sultry voice combined with her flirtatious dialogue made the audience laugh heartily. Her mannerisms were deliberately designed to make men weak at the knees. A wonderfully funny performance all round.

Daryl Dewhurst was terrific as Leonard Trotter. A steam locomotive enthusiast, who initially turned up to give a lecture. Daryl made the audience laugh as he tried repeatedly to insert a talk or slide show into every scenario. Daryl had great stage presence; his timing was sublime.

Wayne Bryant was played by Alan Herron. Alan was laugh aloud funny as the bling wearing, show off Wayne. Claiming to have seen and done everything, with his tattoos and underpants elastic on display, he was great to watch.  I found the scene where he had been bound and gagged by the brownies very comical. An impressive performance from Alan.

Trevor Lord played David Wright. Poor David was pursued aggressively by Helen whilst trying to court Sue. Trevor played this role with wonderful timing. When he came out on stage dressed as a mouse, the audience roared with laughter. Trevor had a strong stage presence; with clear, well delivered dialogue.

‘Out of Focus’ was a pleasure to watch. The costumes supplied by Jean Pells and the cast were often very funny, Linda and her over the top outfits, Leonard, typically in high visibility wear, Evonne the dowdy Vicars wife in her oversized cardigan. The outfits matched the characters perfectly. The whole production was funny and well delivered. I would like to thank CPCAODS for inviting me to review this production. Special thanks to Brian Haworth and David Hulme for looking after me and my plus one. I look forward to many more shows in the future.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.