Strictly Sex Factor on Ice and Lockdown

Lockdown was obviously a productive time for David Tristram, long-time purveyor of reliable comedies for amateur groups. He has produced a little gem in “Lockdown”, a comedy about an amateur drama group struggling to put on their first performance after lockdown. How appropriate for the current climate! It was paired perfectly with another of his plays: “Strictly Sex Factor on Ice” about an amateur group taking rather desperate measures to increase their audience figures after a damning review of their last production, and the stiff competition of spectacular Saturday night TV programmes. Anyone who has been involved with amateur theatre will recognise the situations and the characters – perhaps even aspects of themselves.

Director Teresa Encke has chosen well: both plays feature only four characters, require minimal set – just some chairs and tables – and a few props. Perfect for social distancing and groups not wanting to invest too much money in case the show has to be cancelled.

The evening started with “Strictly Sex Factor on Ice” – a sobering reminder to critics who think themselves above the actors they are commenting on (point taken!) Carsten Flohr was totally believable as Gordon, the self-appointed leader, bulldozing everyone into doing what he wants. Lucy Darby was wonderfully dotty as the forgetful Joyce and must be congratulated on her foray onto roller skates – very funny! James Batchelor gurned perfectly as the outspoken Bernard, telling it as it is, and Rowenna Gordon gave good characterisation as Margaret. They all worked well together, bouncing off each other and keeping the laughs coming.

Perhaps because of its relevance to our current circumstances, I felt that “Lockdown” was the funnier of the two plays. Featuring the same four characters, played by different actors. There were some good belly laughs to be had and the experienced cast made the most of them. Jackie Foster gave us a superbly timid and dithering Joyce. Richard Meeson was nicely dictatorial as Gordon, presenting his ideas for what the group should do next, but showing a kinder side in discretely allowing Bernard (spot-on performance by Paul Foster) to keep one of his stolen toilet rolls, and Jo Walker gave us a very strong Margaret, difficult to persuade or placate.

It was a welcome return to the stage for this talented group, and I congratulate everyone involved for giving us a thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

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