The Dingdong (or take me, I'm yours.)

It’s difficult to hide a front of house medical emergency in a space as tiny as Skipton Little Theatre; but although it stopped the action for a few minutes, the show must go on. And the audience were delighted that it did, as they were thoroughly enjoying this modern farce which is a reworking of a Feydeau farce from 1896.

Appropriate French music opened both acts as a cast of five covered thirteen parts to hilarious effect. Amazingly quick costume changes added another level of humour to the usual farce fare of synchronised entrances and exits, hiding in cupboards and beds and eventually appearing in boxers and suspenders, basques and French knickers. There was some excellent pacing of dialogue and the physical theatre section at the end of the Room 18 scene was especially well choreographed and rehearsed. The audience loved it.

Laurie Swan was excellent and very different in all his roles. He demonstrated a very good command of accent and was particularly convincing as the roue. He has a very natural persona on stage. Joanne Whistler had one of the larger roles as Lucy but also cameoed most effectively as Mdme Pinchard. Well done to the technical operators Maxine Caddell and Mike Rogerson for the convincing sound effects. William Borrows played Redillon, Bellboy and a very amusing policeman while Beth Tudor entertained us with four splendid and differing roles. I especially liked Fabiola and Mandy with their accurate accents and varied physicality. The French maid’s outfit at the end was absolutely stunning.

Phil Smith directed and also played the pivotal role of Vatelin, a divorce solicitor who is central to the romantic intrigues that ensue. The piece was well put together and rehearsed and the audience really went along with the innuendo, visual humour and costume changes. Having not read the programme, I was quite surprised at the end to realise the play was set in 1938. I think rather more set dressing in Act One with period props would have helped to set the thirties mood more effectively, and maybe white sheets and a blanket on the beds in Act Two instead of a bright coloured duvet set. I also felt that all the sexual foreplay would have benefitted from more physical contact between the various cast members during Act One.

This was an interesting and effective choice of material for SLT and I know Phil Smith keeps abreast of new developments and opportunities for amateur theatre. I suspect this will not be the last time this play is produced in the area. It is a real crowd pleaser and piece of escapism. Well done once again to Skipton Little Theatre for continuing to engage the town in live theatre. And for those of you who were concerned, the lady who had collapsed made a full recovery.

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