Outside Edge

A very good version of this well-known play, which continued to live up to the high standard shown by BTC, and which we have come to expect of them.
The set was very well thought-out and constructed – and although a little shaky in parts it covered all the various scenes without having to waste time or lose impetus with scene changes. I particularly liked the use of real grass for the stretch outside the clubhouse, and a gravel path which provided a good sound bite to add dimension to the play. The use of corner pieces to establish the interior and exterior of the clubhouse was also a nice touch. The set was very well negotiated and used by all the cast.
I thought the cast were all excellent, and got the optimum humour out of the play.
Stephen J. Davies, he of the expressive face and eyebrows – once again treated us to an expert portrayal of the archetypal Club Chairman, getting the comic touches he does so well, whilst maintaining a believable character – but he was equally matched by Joy Hester as his long-suffering wife Miriam. I loved her fast-moving walk, and obvious enjoyment of being queen bee of the cricket teas, whilst wishing she could be somewhere else. The relationship between them was very real, and again Joy got so much humour into the part, I loved what they both achieved.
Ruth Salsbury gave us a butch, but caring Maggie, some lovely nuances in her characterisation, which was bold and brash, but endearing at the same time, encompassing the care she took of her smaller husband Kevin, played by Kevyn Connett – he was masterful and mastered – again a wonderful pairing, that was alive and lively. I loved the cuddles.
Malcolm Emms gave us the distinctly unlovely Bob, who appeared to have numerous ladies at his beck and call, including his ex-wife, but was currently married to the rather withdrawn Ginnie – played very nicely by Stephanie Hill, who turned up out of the blue, which meant that everyone else tried to cover for poor old Bob! A good contrasting couple, creating light and shade in their relationship. 
Roger Hester as Dennis the supposed dodgy dealer, who appeared to be happy to spend money on himself with a new BMW but not on his wife. A good portrayal of a husband trying to be masterful but not really succeeding.
The rather posh Alex was played very nicely by Chris Mullins, he fulfilled the requirements of the part, i.e. posh young solicitor, with a big ego. Sascha-Emily Dunn as his current girlfriend, of a rather lowlier station was a small but telling part, this was another pairing that was very telling.
So, another enjoyable evening provided by BTC and their very talented actors and scenery designers/builders, the flow of movement was good, and the pace and contrasts within the play excellent, a good first outing for Pat Daniels in her debut directorial role for BTC. Well done to all concerned.

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