Outside Edge by Richard Harris

Picture a summer afternoon during the ‘80’s set in a village cricket pavilion. This is where the action of this exceedingly funny play commences, with captain Roger having trouble in getting a team out for a crucial match against BR’s Maintenance Division. Roger contends with Bob who is off doing jobs for the ex-wife, unknown to present wife Ginnie who turns up unexpectedly to sun herself and read her book. Dennis – car salesman with medallion, who gets the kit he says ’wholesale’ (in fact he buys them!) with Shirley, wife who wants to move house, manages to turn the BMW to another colour – red - she sets it alight!  Little Kev, demon bowler, who’s hurt his ‘spinning’ finger, is fighting off big Maggi, who’s heavy on DIY and sex and draped all afternoon in a fur coat! Meanwhile show off, lawyer, cad Alex brings his newly acquired bit of stuff Sharon, who is completely out of her depth. Lastly, the seemingly perfect couple Rog leader of men and the organised wife Mim, perfectionist of the cricket tea.  She, during the proceedings, discovers something about Dorking – (Roger’s played away!) with final straw before victory can be certain - rain!

Colourful front cover on the A5 programme using a cricket theme, filled with messages, general information, NODA insert and coloured miniatures of the cast.  Very readable.  F of H and Bar members gave a warm welcome.

The open set was all a village cricket pavilion might be. A veranda with benches, central steps to the field dressed in AstroTurf.  Use of the central aisle for walking out to the wicket.  There was litter scattered, a scoreboard with numbers for business during game.  Good use of the auditorium door out to carpark. Inside the pavilion there was a bar area, with shutters, a bead curtain, optics and glasses, wall mounted telephone with pad, door to the ladies’ toilet, changing rooms.  Opposite was an entrance into kitchen area, the all too important notice board, cricketing memorabilia, trestle table, a darts board.  All this beautifully put together by society members on Kate Gale’s design.  Throughout props were numerous with much attention to detail.  The costumes arranged by Jackie, Naomi and The Costume Place: just right with good finishing touches – great fur coat for wrapping round Kev, shoes, sandals, sun specs and of course kit.

Rehearsals must have been hilarious. Not without initial problems in casting nine characters, Ray had a great group, each perfectly cast not only in character but appearance.  Organised team leader chop-chop Rog was very well interpreted by Nick Jeal, firstly appearing in his shorts with perfected turned long socks, followed by Jackie Manktelow devoted to correctly timed teas, ‘love you’ Mim in floral summer frock, cardie and headband.  A welcome to Paul Desrosiers from over the border once again produced a fine character in Bob, married to second wife Ginnie played with conviction and barb by Pippa Shepherd, thinking he’s being a naughty boy but she got it wrong. A reversal of roles! Kev and Maggi what a great pair – she’s tall, he’s shorter – he cooks and she does DIY.  Relative newcomer Trevor Pritchard, with Kate Gale returning from ‘behind the scenes’, made a great pairing keeping up the fast pace of the comedy. Bit of a mature wheeler-dealer BMW Dennis, complete with medallion, trying to be loved was created by Clive Moores his little grey cells working well.  Young talented Carl Gamage played his part with confidence as posh cad lawyer Alex, whilst Lizzie May played an hilarious Sharon, stealing a splendid scene trying desperately to get to the ladies, sporting a loud red frock, bob hairdo, specs, tottering on very high heels with ease.  The brilliant script flowed and kept us in fits.

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