Play It Again, Sam

Originally a Woody Allen film, I was intrigued to find out what sort of play this would make.

Allan Felix, a writer for a film magazine, has just been divorced from Nancy, who has left him for a more adventurous life.  But she never really leaves, her spirit coming back throughout the play to remind him of his faults. In the same way, Allan’s hero, Humphrey Bogart (‘Bogey’) appears from time to time to give him (extremely politically incorrect!) advice about how to deal with women. Dick and Linda Christie, his friends, do their best to find a new companion for him but the only result of this is a fling with Linda. It seems fair to say that the point of the play (‘To thine own self be true.’) is made in the final scene when Allan is visited by Barbara, a film student who turns out to be a film buff and admirer of Allan’s work. At last able to relax, Allan  can be himself and enjoy life at last.

This made for an enjoyable and interesting evening.

Richard Oliver, playing the neurotic Allan Felix/Woody Allen character rose to the challenge of this very demanding central role; his acting, comic timing and accent were all spot-on. He was very ably supported by Penny Avery who got Linda Christie‘s bubbly yet uncertain character just right, making their on-stage friendship completely believable as well as very touching. Gary Denby did well as the harassed, overworked businessman Dick Christie. Because of his pre-occupations Dick often says funny things without realising they are funny and Gary made the most of these moments. Tim Williams made a suitably bullish Bogey and Sally Stretton was an appropriately dismissive ex-wife. All supporting roles were played well and diction was of a very good standard.

A set which had all the elements needed made the most of the small space of a village hall and, although there were one or two problems on the evening I saw it, lighting (which required different effects when Allan was having his ‘inner thoughts’ and when it was ‘real time’) worked well. A good effort had been made to produce an authentic 70’s feel with appropriate costumes and props.

Play It Again, Sam is a clever and amusing play and one that societies might consider for future productions.

Alex Wood

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