Running Riot

Running Riot written by Derek Benfield originally published in 1958 and Derek is also known for playing the husband of Hetty Wainthrope in the BBC drama. The scene is set in Europe where the Olympic Games are being held. With mistaken identity, people locked in cellars, alcohol and a beautiful spy what could possibly go wrong?!

Directed by Maureen Clare, I felt the set worked and was really well thought out by Owen Riley and Bert Halliday. Lighting and Sound by Toni Maloney also complemented the set.

St Vincent’s were not without drama backstage as one of the cast members was taken ill and Carmela Horne had to take the part of Miss Hackett.  Well, wow! Carmela had two rehearsals and performed with book in hand. Her energy and vava-voom were amazing - sometimes without the book - congratulations! The cast must be very grateful to you.

Keith Hindley as Humphrey Podmore, whose character managed to get into so many situations, really milked the laughs: his comic timing and looks were very funny and I am still chuckling at him managing to get so many syllables out of the word ‘em-phat-ic-all-y’. His body language and performance were really well thought out.  His gurning also was hilarious!

Basil Trent (what a fabulous name!) played by Dennis Jordan and Felix played by Howard Clare were the double act keeping pretences up - nice characterization, but I felt a few first night nerves came into play.

Some good performances from the cast, I had not seen this play before and really enjoyed it and has some really laugh out loud moments. Having seen professional shows using actors with book in hand, it never bothers me.  I did wonder if it had made some of the cast uneasy as a few prompts were taken. (or may be those first night nerves again?). 

The costumes worked well too and the bruises were well executed by Pat Quinlan and Joan Grundy.

Thank you so much for inviting me & my guest and I really enjoyed the show and front of house staff were so attentive and welcoming. It was so evident how proud you are of your society.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep.

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