Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses

There was an unusual atmosphere pervading the audience of CADS Theatre Club’s latest production of “Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses” by Michael Parker and Susan Parker, which I couldn’t initially put my finger on but it soon became apparent as various loyal CADS patrons chatted and made you welcome – it was an overwhelming sense of excitement – none had heard of the play, all were eager to enjoy it and were there for their regular dose of CADS entertainment. And James Smith’s production did not disappoint – a delightful set recreated the familiar lobby setting of many a hotel and an array of disparate characters beautifully invited us into their crazy world.

The Lovers’ Landing Beach Hotel, a popular wedding destination, had recently been inherited by ‘Audrina Brown’, the niece of the previous owner, along with the hotel staff – from the off Sadie Moon as ‘Audrina’ perfectly portrayed the exasperation of the smart and resourceful boss who learns that any thoughts of making the business the efficient corporate entity is not going to happen – and it is better to leave well alone. Amy Tomlinson, as the willing and eager to please hotel receptionist, ‘Candy’ skilfully wrung every inch of comedic possibility out of this well-meaning dedicated hotel servant, even though her ability to make a mess of things often won out in the end. Her partner in crime is ‘Bubba Brown’ – the late hotel owner’s brother, the new owner’s uncle and in Richard Corrado hands, the master of putting the word ‘odd’ into ‘Odd Job Man’, as the plot soon reveals. Richard seemed to absolutely relish this role and soon had the audience on his side – even if some of his schemes were not exactly the right side of the law.

No wedding venue can survive without its guests and The Lover’s Landing, is no exception. These came in the form of the formidable ‘Beatrice Rutherford-Smythe’ – the complete antithesis of the accommodating and cooperative Mother-of-the-Bride, this is a gem of role, written magnificently and executed perfectly by Jess Hughes and even more remarkably Jess handled the transition to the laid back, casual Lover’s Landing lifestyle with great aplomb, even to the point of there being romance in the air! Beatrice’s, daughter and bride-to-be, ‘Traci’, a loved-up but spoilt, little rich girl only seems to be marrying her fiancé to annoy her mother, in the capable hands of Emilie Tunnacliffe, we soon warm to her, especially when she suspects that her beau is being unfaithful.  This wedding is going to test the patience of any venue host, ‘Audrina’ is going to have her work cut out – especially when we find that the hotel wedding planner, ‘Madame Coco’ has eloped!  There is no other solution other than to press into action the services of the slightly crooked but well-meaning, ‘Uncle Bubba’ as a Madame Coco substitute. A tour-de-force comedy performance, as well as some breath-takingly quick costume changes, by the talented Richard Corrado.

To add to the confusion and unexpected guest arrives in the form of ‘Douglas Dupont’ – suspicions are immediately aroused when he is seen surreptitiously taking snaps around the hotel – ‘Bubba’ is on his guard – maybe a government agent? ‘Candy’ gets the wrong end of the stick and assumes he is Traci’s fiancé – setting up some very funny embarrassing moments. He becomes convinced that Lover’s Landing lives up to its name as he finds himself in being pursued by ‘Candy’, ‘Traci’, ‘Beatrice’, ‘Audrina’ and the ‘Madame Coco’! Louis Elsmore made this role his own using the innocence of the character to great comedy effect as well as the deft handling of the physical side of the hilarious situations that he found himself in through no fault of his own.

When Traci’s betrothed finally arrives on the scene his card has already been marked in the eyes of the audience thanks to the other characters.  ‘Peter Mudd’, his name is mud-d, see what they did there?  But what we find is a misrepresented character, played with great charm by Richard Mayes, is allowed to give us his side of the story – he is in love with ‘Traci’ and despite everyone’s earnest efforts to the contrary is determined to win through.

“Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses” is a gentle but laugh out loud comedy that has all the elements and they were masterfully brought to the stage by CADS in James Smith’s enjoyably entertaining production. Hats off too, to the Technical and Front of House Team, ably supporting those on stage and giving us all an amusing diversion away from the troubles and strife of daily life.  Thank you all.

I look forward to CADS next production, “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” by Sarah Ruhl in October 2024.

 

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