Stage Struck

This was one of the funniest and well written comedies I have seen in a long time.  Taking place in the office of a nearly bankrupt theatrical agency, the set was simple but elaborately dressed with two desks, a few filing cupboards, a coat stand, computers and all the clutter of an office in business.  The start was inevitably a little slow as we were drawn into the story of the problems facing a company who owed money everywhere but were still trying to find work for the few clients on their books. Jenny Reed, the proprietor of TOPSPOTS, delightfully and very appropriately played by Judy Sawyer, was having great problems with her computer that insisted on talking to her in the most derogatory fashion.  Adding to her problems was David Mackay, played by Peter Woodman, who owned the Detective agency HOTSHOTS situated next door, who insisted on dropping in at every possible moment and a man hunting sex starved secretary, Shirley, superbly played by Debs Ravera.  She was sheer magic with the most wonderful walk, incredible costumes and total ineptitude at being a secretary.  If she could get it wrong she did.  Into their lives came two gangsters, a typical Laurel and Hardy act.  James Lawson played it straight and Andre Dore quite brilliantly ‘thick as two short planks’.  Next on the scene was Tracey Shaughnessy, the Irish computer mechanic ’ who set about silencing the offensive machine with a large hammer and was quite happy to use it on anyone who got in her way especially Jenny who owed her money. Another regular visitor to the agency was an out of work would be actress superbly played by Emma Godden who appeared in way out costumes suggesting that she must be employable as one of the outrageous ‘persons’ she depicted. Add to this Frances Mansell and Malcolm Stuart as prospective clients performing a hilarious magic show and Aimee Bullimore as the talking computer and you have all the ingredient of a first class comedy. Timing is so important and this they had cracked to perfection and incidentally I loved the calendar. Well done Natalie for great direction.

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