See How They Run

Amanda Oelrichs certainly took control of the situations in strict and fine style with excellent pace and no let-up throughout the action: this is what farce has to be and we were not disappointed in the speed of dialogue or action, or any of the comedy timing.

            An excellent set with good period feel really gave a good acting space for all the antics, entrances all ideal for the piece, and that cupboard!, dressings and costumes appropriate to set off actions throughout.

            The casting could not be faulted and to find six such ideal males for their parts is a compliment to the group, plus those three perfectly cast females, congratulations on having a wide field to choose from in the company.

Ida, the maid, Cathey Rix was a great character role, full of cheek, helping with plotting and missing some situations and messing up, really something to bring out all the comedy. But the ‘laughter-plus’ and OTT character really has to be Miss Skillon, what a wonderful role for Heather Carpenter, the shocked and hurt parishioner, those drunken sequences, the total commitment to timing and comedy and bringing out every last nuance and the exaggeration of situations and misunderstandings throughout, this was a performance to relish. And as the ex-actress, glamorous vicar’s wife, Becky Davis was perfect for Penelope with her style and accent and sweeping away of all stuffiness regardless of what happens in the plot. These three exemplary in their roles.

Pete Harrold as Lionel really had the losing ticket with concert and wife and visiting bishop and all the exchange of clothing and particularly all that running around from entrance to exit, his timing and delivery so good. The appearance of David Percival as Clive, and the problems of uniform, plus the acting from previous days just added to the mayhem of action. Add a very dignified but surprised Bishop by Bob McClenning, and how does he cope with his visit and strange twists. Another visiting vicar, Humphrey from Kevin Oelrichs, who looked suitably bewildered by all going on around him. And the clothes exchange by the intruder Alan Carpenter, and his menacing on the situation, just added to the fun. These characters well drawn and developed by the men. What with all those chases so beautifully timed and the sight of four vicars in a row, no wonder that Sergeant Towers (Ian McDonald) was surprised.

Certainly the action on stage was manic at times in a proper farce with brilliant timing, congratulations to all on the fantastic team-work, and certain that the rehearsals must have been hysterical.

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