The Lady Killers

The 1955 Film “ The Ladykillers” featuring amongst others, Alec Guinness and Peter Sellers, has been adapted for the stage by Graham Linehan, who has written comedy scripts for T.V. 
He has successfully used the characters from the original screenplay by William Rose and injected his own interpretation 
into the classic piece.
This is not an easy play to stage and it depends on an intricate and solid set to accommodate the comings and goings of the actors. Congratulations must go to St Ambrose Players for designing and constructing some of the best custom-made in-house sets, for the Amateur Stage.
Well done to Sarah White, making her first solo Directing debut, for rising to the challenge and keeping the Production fresh and modern whilst maintaining the authenticity of the original.
Costumes, appropriate props and set dressing maintained the atmosphere of the 1950’s, whilst Sound and Lighting were essential for the storyline.
Graham Linehan is quoted as saying “ I don’t really do subtlety, I like big set pieces and big farcical moments”.
The entire cast, produced a very funny, physical and lively Production and are to be congratulated for working so well, especially in the limited confines of the upstairs room and the cellar.
There were several splendid performances this evening. The experienced Siobhan Edge was superb as Mrs Louisa Wilberforce, always in character, It was a delightful interpretation. David White coped well with all his dialogue but I felt he missed some of the subtleties of his character.
Lewis Hampson gave a convincing and mature performance as the knife-wielding Louis Harvey whilst Rhys Jones, in his debut role with the company, as the pill-popping cockney Harry Robinson, looked confident and at ease on stage. The role of Major Courtney was played sensitively by Tim Braddy, although at times a little more volume was required, I have seen Paul James, One Round, in several other roles and it was apparent how versatile he is. Tonight he was outstanding as the slow witted ex boxer.
Those on stage coped well with the few first night hiccups and I left for home having had a very enjoyable evening. Well done to all involved.

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