Post Horn Gallop

As the programme tells us, Derek Benfield wrote his plays which proved most popular, about the eccentric Lord and Lady Elrood, which were characterised by secret doors, mistaken identities and dotty servants. Well, you can certainly go along with that description.

Leading the way in this near mad cap farce was Martin Illston as the completely batty Lord Elrood in his fantasy world, pot-shotting at everybody in defence of an imaginary attack on his castle - quite hilarious. Sue Orme gave a sublime performance as the totally dotty, forgetful, `let the world pass me by` Lady Elwood. Their daughter Patricia, played by Julie Campbell and Stuart Mourton as Chester, the son-in-law, added to the mayhem with good performances.  I liked the afternoon tea scene which involved the castle visitors, Paul Makinson, excellent as Bert, and Maggie, deliciously played by Linda Cheshire, along with Patricia and Lady Elrood,  a tip top piece of comedy.

Meg Stamp as Ada, the man-mad servant, and Lyndsey Franklin as the spinsterish castle guide Miss Partridge, along with John Freeman as George, the Scout Master, made the most of their characters adding greatly to the piece.  The cast was completed by Rick Law as Mr Capone, and Callum  Rodgers as Mr Wedgewood, two of the daftest burglars you could imagine.

On a most effective set it was well directed by Wendy Beric and Mike Asprey. The first Act took time to get into the groove, but the play picked up tempo in Acts 2 and 3 to give the appreciative audience an amusing evening`s entertainment.

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