The Ladykillers

This stage adaption, by the Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan, of the BAFTA winning Ealing Comedy film was the perfect vehicle to show off the strong acting talents of this company. The well designed split-level set, by Allen Perrin, made good use of the small stage with clear demarcation between the main acting areas of the Mrs Wilberforce’s period cluttered living room and the upstairs bedroom occupied by her dodgy lodgers. Anne Bamborough gave a magnificent performance as the eccentric, old widow Mrs Wilberforce. Alan Holling as Professor Marcus was excellent, moving easily between ingratiating lodger to the hard-nosed brains behind the band of criminals’ robbery plans. Very strong performances were given by each of his band of criminals – Eddie Docherty as conman Major Courtney, Martin Anderson as menacing old lady hating thug Louis Harvey, Steve Kelly as the dumb gentle giant One-Round and Ashley Taylor as the nervous pill-popping Harry Robinson. Strong support was given by Ian Shearer as the friendly neighbourhood policeman Constable MacDonald and Maureen Pringle as Mrs Wilberforce’s friend Mrs Jane Tromleyton along with her gaggle of tea-drinking friends Kay Craib, Louise Munro, Agnes Sangster and Jo Atkinson. Well done everyone for another excellent evening’s entertainment.

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