Surprise Package

The action in this play takes place on the patio of the Pension Maria in Formentera which is the smallest of the Balearic Islands belonging to Spain. This is a very funny script that examines the calamities which can happen as a result of misunderstanding and difference in interpretation during a package holiday in Spain. I have to say it reminded me very much of the comedy Benidorm on the television as it had the same stereotypical characters and similar plot lines as seen in this programme.

As the curtains opened there was well deserved applause from the audience. The set looked so realistic that you felt you were there on the patio in Formentera, and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face. Congratulations to Owen Riley and Bert Halliday along with the rest of the stage crew for all your hard work.

It was obvious that the cast had put allot of time and effort into their characterizations and there were some nice performances, particularly from Howard Clare as Fritz Grotz whose German accent was very believable. Bert Halliday as Alfred Tinsley gave us the stereotypical northerner with the noted hankie on his head and rolled up trousers, resulting in some very funny moments. I particularly enjoyed his conversation on the telephone with the holiday representative. The action behind the bar when Fritz Grotz was trying to tweeze out the sea urchin spines from Alfred’s behind was also a very funny segment. Nora, Alfred’s long suffering wife was played adeptly by Margaret Parkinson whose patience was pushed to the limit at times, and Nora’s sister, spinster school teacher Elsie Hardcastle was also well played by Debbie Eustace. Juanito the Spanish owner of the Pension and barman was played energetically by Mark Bradley and Rosita his fiancé was nicely played by Lisa Kilburn. The Tyrannical Grandmother was played with authority by Maureen Clare and her grandson Ron Tinsley (Alfred and Nora’s Son) was played by Chris Blinkhorn, on holiday to try and patch things up with his ex-girlfriend Gloria Armitage played by Kim Toth. Her snobbish mother Mildred Armitage who was also man hunting was played realistically by Ann Campbell and there was the surprise appearance of Fitz’s wife Greta at the end played by Joan Thomas.

Timing of the libretto is very important in this type of comedy but unfortunately there was an occasional stumbling over lines and gaps in the action which meant some opportunities for laughs were missed. However the audience appeared to really enjoy this play and was laughing along with the action loudly.

Well done to Irene Holmes and the cast and crew for all your hard work and thank you to the front of house for an enjoyable evening and making me welcome.

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