Pull The Other One

It’s a long time since I have seen a good farce, and Nunthorpe Players did not disappoint in this funny portrayal of stereotypical characters whose paths cross to create an intricate and exciting plot.

The action takes place in the home of Albert and Muriel Perkins, with Albert’s mother-in-law, Boadicea Heptinstall, determined to cause as much trouble as possible.  Norma Timney played her in the stereotypical way many would see as their mother-in-law.  She maintained this overpowering focussed matriarch throughout, providing the linchpin for the whole play.  Lee Rodgers playerd the down-trodden son-in-law, Albert Perkins, always in trouble and totally misunderstood.  His best mate Wilf Turner, portrayed by Neil Mapplebeck, tries to help but only makes things worse.  Albert’s wife Muriel, (Jo-Anne Smith) is overpowered by her mother, but is determined to see good in her husband.  For me, the chemistry between Albert and Muriel was a little cold.  Rosie Johnson was all sweetness and innocence as the other woman, Virginia Brown, trying to succeed as a painter, but when she enlists the help of Albert it all goes wrong.  As if this is not enough, Albert’s old friend Hilary Armstrong, a drag artist completely over the top played with great comedy style by Jim Woods, gives Boadicea further ammunition to cause trouble.  Finally Steve Magor was the eccentric vicar The Reverend Nookey who provides respectability and the key to the plot.  A well-designed set allowed the play to flow.  Jo Maxwell as the director should be very proud of a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.