Sand Castles

Bob Larbey was a prolific and successful writer for the mediums of radio, television and the stage; he wrote this play in response to a suggestion by his wife, Trish Larbey. The Pattersons and the Billets have for years holidayed in their respective beach huts. They have adopted the unwritten ‘Law of the Hutters’ which they explain to Doug, the renter of the middle hut and his two ‘nieces’? All is proceeding peacefully until a group of ordinary holiday makers erect a windbreak in front of the beach huts provoking confrontation and a battle of wills.

This was indeed a very well cast show! Tony Hine (as William Patterson, a retired solicitor) was on hand to interpret the legal position for which he received gentle support from Rosemary Gibson (as Margaret Patterson) his wife. Gus Sparrow (as Stan Billet) was very quick to let people know he was a car dealer selling 4 X 4 vehicles while Sue Blair (as his wife, Bernice) was happy to indulge in yet another glass of sparkling white wine. Briony Sparrow (as Sue’s sister Pauline) arrived miserable but soon cheered up having made the acquaintance of David Asher (as Doug), who was accompanied by Chloe Colam-Johnson and Caitlin Hood as his nieces, Debs and Becky). Lynette Richardson (as Mrs Penfold), Anthea Hardstaff (as Ida) and Verity Tabor-Foxon (as Mrs Newman) were members of the ‘windbreakers’ group. Gary Cadwallader (as Mr Kite) was repeatedly chased across the stage by Kate Darcey (as Mrs Kite) in their failed attempts to launch a kite! Jim Smee was an odd-ball beachcomber who spent his time searching the beach with a metal detector whilst hoping not to find anything as this would spoil his day; he was also responsible for performing the “Punch and Judy” shows. Hermione and Charlie were children playing on the beach. Lucy Kelly (as Mr Billet’s mother) with few words and actions, delivered a superb performance which captivated the audience!

Congratulations to all who were involved in this production, especially Dawn Cadwallader, on this your very successful directing debut; the emphasis you had the cast pay to their timing ensured the author’s lines generated much laughter. The final scene, in contrast, was extremely poignant!

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