Port Out Starboard Home

A very realistic set for the deck of a cruise liner set the scene for what proved to be a very amusing comedy, which was excellent on all fronts. The production was fast-moving, without being too frantic, timing was impeccable, and the cast were at all times aware of each other and the requirements of the movement around the set.  We haven’t laughed so much for a long time. There were good contrasts between the actors, which gave dimension and interest, as well as full-on humour, and many double entendres!! I was delighted, on my arrival, not only with the warm reception but also with the excellent musical entertainment provided by Mary playing an accordion. It set the mood of the whole production.

I thought Val Daly did particularly well as Miriam Miller, a veteran of ‘cruising’ who took her son away with her in the hope of finding him a wife on the assumption he would provide her with grandchildren. Her unwilling son, played exceptionally convincingly by Stevie Lambert, made it look as though her luck was in when Jenny Thomson, as a famous film star, became his friend. She portrayed the part with great class.

George Lake as Wayne, the Entertainment Officer, was sublime. He kept his persona going the whole time, whilst enduring the many and diverse situations he found himself in. His  timing was  superb, his walk and stance unforgettable and every mannerism and word were perfect.

Brian Campbell, a very forthright and bossy husband, was played with a lot of angst by Zahir White. I particularly liked his remarkable facial expressions and whole demeanour throughout. Carol Clark played his poor pathetic wife Jackie, hooked on every type of medication, with the naivety required. She did a really good job, creating a very lively character at the end, delighting us with her great change in personality. Derek Ost, in what could have been a throw-away part as the Barman, really gave it meaning and humour, and added great fun to the proceedings when making up to Jackie causing her transformation.

Various other members of the company provided small ‘crowd’ scenes, all adding realism to an excellently directed piece of theatre. It always delights me to see small Societies performing in village halls with limited resources, giving us such high standard productions.  Lancing  gave us a evening that they can justly be very proud of, and one which we thoroughly enjoyed.

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