Pull The Other One

When you read the programme and find the words ‘Dragon - like mother-in-law Bodacea is convinced that  her son-in-law is ‘carrying on’ with someone’, you know you are about to be entertained by the genre of farce. Just for interest I looked up a definition of farce…….. ‘a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations’. Well the former and the latter certainly applied to ‘Pull the Other One; it was comic and also ludicrously improbable, but nonetheless entertaining, agreeable and funny!

A single scene representing the living room had been built and was aided by extending the front of the stage making room for doors SL and SR and front door at the rear and staircase leading off BS L. the stage props were a table and chairs, a large settee and a fireplace.  A window next to the front door allowed a view to the outside. All these items were contextually necessary for the story to evolve. The lighting was acceptable allowing everything to be seen and although there was no amplification, because of the small size of the theater, all dialogue was heard perfectly with good diction and projection.

The cast comprised 4 men and 3 women who each added personality to their roles. Direction was good with complete understanding of farce … with good comic timing pace and delivery. Even when the story descended into complete mayhem, it was totally controlled by well rehearsed performers.

All the actors displayed skill and performed well, but outstanding ability and talent was demonstrated by the leading man Steve Hughes in the role of Albert Perkins… the easy going and carefree supposedly ‘errant’ husband who just couldn’t stop finding himself in ludicrous situations. But who as mishap and misunderstandings compounded, played with confidence and total realism, the butt of everyone’s displeasure and disapproval. Well done Albert!

The ‘diva’ of the evening was played to sheer perfection… Bodacea Heptinstall was presented as tour de force of a performance by Gail Mee. She was a woman you loved to hate and she inhabited the character completely… the fact that I disliked her intently at the start, only served to make the whole play outstandingly funny. Congratulations Bodacea… you completely won me over…. Just imagine the mother- in law from hell… the likes of Les Dawson on speed!!!!  Brilliant Bodacea!

Well done Wayfarers, another entertaining performance. Thank you all for your welcome and hospitality.

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