Sand Castles

Whitby Amateur Dramatic Society have chosen well for their latest production – “Sand Castles”, a lively comedy, with its seaside setting and colourful mix of characters is perfect for this talented Society. It was a good idea to relocate the play to Whitby, providing extra laughs with the local references.
Written by Bob Larbey (best known for TV hits such as The Good Life and A Fine Romance), it mocks pretension and blind conformity with sympathy and humour.  Two couples, 'posh' William and Margaret Patterson, and would-be posh Stan and Bernice Billet, are taking their regular holiday, with Stan's irascible mother and Bernice's lovelorn sister Pauline in tow.  Over the years the Pattersons and Billets have established rules of beach hut behaviour and stake out their own territory across the sand.
No sooner are the first teacups and deck chairs out, than their peaceful seclusion is interrupted by a succession of 'riff-raff' interlopers. Loudest of all are Doug and his two nubile nieces who immediately ride roughshod over their petty conventions. As their territory is eroded and norms are flouted, the culture clashes create comic chaos.
The Pattersons and the Billets were impressively played with great comic timing, by John Eaves, Alison Steele, Chris Wales, Polly Stephenson and Megan O’Neill.  Sally Jones as Stan's mother delivers a host of funny one-liners – she should come out of the prompt corner more often. Jordan Butler as Doug and Kenzie Greenwood and Helena Graham as Debs and Becky, the main interlopers, created brash characters in sharp contrast to the regulars, as well as providing eye-candy for the audience. The main characters were ably supported by Karen McCarthy, Louise Hellawell, Ann Bowes, Steve Upton, Chris Copeland and Carole Harrison.
Credit to all the cast on their voice projection & diction – it was that good I was convinced they were wearing radio mikes – I don't think they were? Certainly, Debs and Becky had nowhere to hide battery packs in those bikinis !
This was my first visit to the Society and I hope it won't be my last – a wonderful evening of comedy, thoroughly enjoyed by a packed audience.

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