Seasons Greetings

I always look forward to this society’s productions and, as this was an Alan Ayckbourn play that I have not previously seen, I was particularly keen to see it.  The Players did not disappoint, all the classic Ayckbourn mayhem was there from the very beginning. 

Despite reading the explanation, in the programme, it did take me about ten minutes to understand the complications of the set.  However the cast were excellent in the discipline they used in moving from room to room.  Students of theatre would recognise the ‘fourth wall’ concept!

Everyone in the cast is to be congratulated on their performances; Jim Wilkinson (Harvey) gave a nicely observed performance of the ‘spare’ uncle who always seems to be at any family Christmas.  John Scowen was a delight as Bernard, his puppet show was a master class in incidental comedy.  I don’t have the space to mention everyone but the entire cast worked well together.  I must, however, mention Lisa Chapman, her portrayal of Phyllis was another master class, this time on being drunk but perfectly audible throughout.

The scenery was well thought out, although I might have found it easier to understand, at the beginning, if the rooms had been more clearly defined, perhaps with low walls.  Once I understood the layout then it really was quite easy to follow the action as it moved from room to room.  The lighting was excellent and the cues picked up accurately.  That is so important in a play like this.

It was lovely to see an almost full house and Thurrock Courts Players are to be congratulated on another excellent play.

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