Surprise Package

This well-written farce, with humorous lines and double entendres, was expertly directed by John Pashley. With many hilarious scenes and absurdly funny dialogue, for any farce to be a real success good timing is crucial, and this was achieved by the cast of eleven actors. The set designers and builders gave us an excellent impression of a Spanish hotel and, adding to the atmosphere, we were entertained by Melissa Shirley, a gifted guitarist with a performance of beautiful Spanish music. 

The Tinsley family comprises the father, Alfred; mother, Nora; their son, Ron; Nora’s sister, Elsie and their mother, Grandma Hardcastle. Despite Alfred and Grandma saying there is nothing wrong with their usual holiday in Blackpool, Nora this time decides to choose a budget trip to Spain, staying in a cheap hotel. As soon as they arrive at the hotel, things start to go awry and get worse by the minute. Juanito, the proprietor of the Hotel Maria and Rosita, the maid and his fiancée, work desperately to keep the guests happy by supplying them with lots of alcohol. 

The family is tense: the parents argue constantly, and Grandma is controlling everybody, especially Elsie. Ron only wants to meet up with his girlfriend, Gloria, who is also staying at the hotel with her mother Mildred Armitage, who doesn’t like the Tinsley family. Another guest staying at the hotel is a German tourist, Fritz Grotz. The audience is entertained with so many hilarious scenes and misunderstandings. Of course, it wouldn’t be a farce if someone didn’t lose their trousers, or be found in a compromising position, especially behind the cocktail bar.

The eleven actors all worked very well together and gave very good performances and individuality to their characters. Ian Brady played Alfred Tinsley, who often found himself in trouble regardless of his actions. Sarah Betts was his nagging wife, Nora, and Charlie Betts their adorable son, Ron, who couldn’t put a foot wrong. Carol Mullins portrayed the selfish Grandma, while Margaret Harrison was Nora’s dizzy sister, Elsie, who was looking for romance, especially with Fritz. 

The other guests contributing to the confusion and mishaps include Fritz Grotz who had difficulties with the English language, causing misunderstandings and especially with the ladies. Richard Thompson’s accent and interpretation of this character was great.   

Jeanette Roberts gave exactly the right characterisation to Mildred Armitage, who likes nothing better than to gossip about other people and their lives and flirt outrageously with Fritz. Annabel Shirley was perfect as Gloria, so happy that her and Ron got together again - great acting from these two young people. Tommy Jones’s perfect accent, mannerisms and facial expressions gave Juanito the Spanish flair needed for his character.

Ellie Ashmore, with a lovely Spanish accent as Rosita the maid and Juanito’s fiancée was very good. At the end of the play, as things are getting more and more complicated, especially for Fritz’s entanglements with Mildred and Elsie, his wife appears, played by Erica Leach. Of course, as in all farces there is a happy ending, and the arguments and misunderstandings are all forgotten and everyone enjoys their holiday in sunny Spain. 

All the hard work from the director, cast, production and back-stage team paid off and entertained the audience with laughter throughout the evening. The applause at the end said it all. 

Thank you for the invite and hospitality and a most enjoyable evening.

Sue Cox

NODA N E Rep – Region 14

 

 

 

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