Outside Edge

The Colwall Players' production of Outside Edge by Richard Harris was an absolute delight, perfectly staged at the Colwall Cricket Club, which provided the ideal setting for this beloved cricket farce. The outdoor location added authenticity, immersing the audience in the chaotic world of a village cricket team as their match day spirals into comic disaster.

Steve Burford shone as Roger, the overzealous cricket captain, whose life revolves around the game to the detriment of everything else, including his marriage. His dynamic with Angela Meredith’s Miriam, the long-suffering wife, was both humorous and layered. Angela deftly portrayed Miriam as initially dutiful, running herself ragged organising teas and catering to Roger’s every whim, only to gain the upper hand by the end of the afternoon. Steve and Angela’s performances captured the tension and humour in their marriage, especially as Miriam discovers Roger’s infidelity in Dorking, just as rain disrupts his much-needed victory.

Pip Barber brought a natural charm to Bob, a character weighed down by guilt and constantly caught between his ex-wife and current wife, Ginnie. Pip's portrayal of Bob’s nervousness, guilt-ridden phone calls, and indecisiveness was both engaging and humorous, highlighting his down to earth nature amidst the chaos. Sue Ricketts, as Ginnie, was a delight, portraying a character entirely disinterested in cricket and far more concerned with the best position to get a good tan and enjoy her book. Her laid-back attitude and deadpan delivery, reminiscent of Lesley Joseph's Dorien in Birds of a Feather, created a sharp contrast to the surrounding chaos. Her exasperation with Bob's lies added another layer of humour to the performance.

Andrew Howie brought a wonderfully self-assured quality to his role as Dennis, the suave and confident ladies’ man. With charm and swagger, he made Dennis' flirtations both entertaining and awkward. Dennis' reluctance to move house, despite his wife's urgent need, reached a comedic peak when his obliviousness to Shirley’s mounting frustrations culminated in a dramatic yet unseen moment where she sets fire to his cherished BMW. Dennis’ reaction was masterfully executed, showcasing Andrew’s exceptional comedic timing, which delivered a dramatic and hilarious exit from the stage.

Mike Fray delivered an impressive performance as Alex, the lawyer who was a target of Bob’s dislike for several reasons, including his snobbery, striking appearance, and cricketing talent. As the team's top batsman, Alex’s impressive skills on the field were matched only by his tendency to flaunt them, fuelling both envy and contempt. Mike portrayed Alex’s arrogant and aloof demeanour with great finesse, particularly in his mistreatment of new girlfriend, Sharon, who was hilariously brought to life by Louise Carter. Louise portrayed Sharon’s timidity with excellent body language and subtle gestures, especially during her desperate attempts to reach the loo. Her difficulty navigating the situation created one of the funniest moments of the play, as her embarrassment was entirely relatable and hilarious. When she finally reemerges from the loo with mascara streaming down her face, Louise’s comic timing was impeccable, drawing some of the biggest laughs of the evening.

Bill Wilkes as Kevin and Venla Freeman as Maggie delivered standout performances that truly stole the show. Bill brought Kevin, the team’s demon spin bowler and Roger’s closest ally, to life with a masterful blend of nervous energy and subtle effeminacy. His portrayal captured Kevin’s petulant behaviour and mood swings, adding humour and depth to his tumultuous yet affectionate relationship with Maggie.

Venla’s depiction of Maggie was equally exceptional. Draped in a fur coat throughout, Maggie is loud, brash, and irresistibly funny. Venla brought Maggie to life with a robust black country accent, impeccable line delivery and characterful facial expressions. Her boundless energy, combined with Bills’ nuanced performance and their consistent accent work, made every appearance a highlight. Their scenes, particularly those involving Kevin’s injured bowling finger and Maggie’s affectionate antics under her massive coat, were a constant source of laughter. A phenomenal performance from both actors.

What made this production so effective was that there was no falling over backwards trying to be funny. The script, the situations, and the truthfulness of the characters naturally brought the comedy to life. This is the beauty of Outside Edge—a very funny play executed here with considerable skill and energy by a talented cast.

The production was a success in every respect, with the cricket pavilion serving as a perfect stage. The clever use of the aisle as the cricket pitch entry point brought the action right into the audience, enhancing the immersive experience. Costumes were on point, perfectly reflecting each character’s quirks, and the cast executed the farcical situations with impeccable timing. The direction by Gill Young ensured the pace never faltered, and the natural charm of the outdoor setting added to the play’s realism and atmosphere.

The entire performance was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, enhanced by the front-of-house team’s cricket-themed attire and even the threat of rain, which only added to the authenticity of the plays setting. The Colwall Players delivered a spirited, laugh-out-loud production that brought Harris’ script to life with considerable skill and enthusiasm, making for a memorable afternoon of theatre. Thank you to the Colwall Players for another fantastic play choice and their warm hospitality.

 

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