The Darling Buds of May

It was great to It was great to bring back memories of this 1950’s radio and television series about the Larkin family once again, and the ”Stars” did a first class job of it.  Pop Larkin in his variety of deals, Ma Larkin doing her best to keep Pop and their six children well fed, and supporting Pop in all his goings  on.  All seems to be hunky-dory until Mr Charlton, the Inland Revenue Representive, arrives and finds that Pop hasn’t filled in his tax returns. Thanks to Mariette, one of the daughters, who takes a shine to Mr Charlton and begins a relationship, everything then seems to be looking up, until Mr Charlton’s boss arrives, but he is unable to catch up with him.  Pop continues to live a life of luxury, buying a Rolls  Royce car among  other things.

The cast did very well with the Kent accents.  Pop Larkin was excellently played by Damian Wynne very well aided and abetted by Sheilagh May, who played Ma Larkin.  They worked well together, and were very well supported by an excellent cast.  Mariette was well played by Paris Lowcock, who in turn was well supported by the shy Mr Charlton (Charley).  He soon got into the groove, picking strawberries etc. Pop’s past came in when Miss Pilchester arrived and was soon into Pop’s arms.  She was well played by Melanie  McNiff.  She was followed by Pauline Jackson, played by Rosie Webber, who also was soon into Pop’s arms.  Pop was well supported by his friend the Brigadier, very well played by Jeff Surma. Pop was trying to buy the Hall from Sir George Bluff-Gore, excellently played by Mike Webber, with Mandy Young as Lady Bluff-Gore.  Another of Pop’s past flames arrived, Angela Snow, very excellently played by Alison Ivanec.  All ended well with Charley and Mariette engaged, and Pop and Ma planning a double wedding. The tax inspector, very well played by Tom Brown, got everything sorted with Charley.  Everybody, including the children, who were played by, Ezra Laundy-Blair, Helen Baker, Grace Gent, Charlie Humphrey  and Martha Laundy-Blair, were excellent. Peter Power& Jan Scott did a marvellous job in bringing the Larkin family to life again with a very well-rehearsed play.  Very well done, “Stars”.

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