The Ladykillers

Thank you for inviting me the production which I enjoyed very much.

It is a long time since I saw the 1955 film and only vaguely remember the story and definitely not the ending so I was looking forward to the play.

Well done to all the cast as they created the different characters very well. Special mentions to Ian Stead (Professor Marcus) the sinister leader of the gang and Loretta Ramsden (Mrs Wilberforce) the old lady who welcomes the gang into her home. They had large parts to learn and worked together very well.

Also praise for the rest of the gang Richard Hunt (Major Courtney) con man injured in the war (or was he), Richard Walsh (Louis Harvey) a Rumanian gangster, Elliot Austin (Harry Robinson) a Cockney Jack – the – lad, and Jim Butler (One-round. Lawson) a one time boxer who had hit the canvas many times.

They were well supported by the two bumbling, biscuit pinching policemen (Sean Brennan and Rob Stimson) Also brief appearances by Michelle Andrews, Paula Dixon and Sarah Smith as friends of Mrs Wilberforce who were thrilled to be entertained by the worst string quartet ever. Not forgetting General Gordon a noisy fidgety parrot.

Congratulations to Director Damian Shalks who managed to get three separate scenes and all the cast on the small stage without it seeming too crowded for such an excellent show and to those who built the set. Good work to all concerned.

Best wishes on your 100 years and I look forward to seeing you in your future productions.

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