The Ladykillers

Director - David Pile

Barrington Arts Centre Ferndown - 18th October 

The Ladykillers was adapted for stage by Graham Lineham, from the 1955 Ealing Studios comedy, starring Alex Guiness, Peter Sellers & Herbert Lom. 

Its the story of 5 criminals who are led by Professor Marcus who all meet up as a string quartet using the room to rehears and plan a robbery, whist lodging in the home of Mrs Wilberforce. The play is set in King's Cross near the railway. 

The set is very good, it is split into two levels made up of the living room downstairs and bedroom upstairs. This is a clever idea. There is a lot of details and time spent into making this set. There is also a window and small roof upstairs. There is a small wall along the front of the stage in the hall representing an alley way. The lighting and sound effects are also good, the train whistles really added to the atmosphere. 

Director David Pile has an excellent cast for this production. They all work well together and the comic timing is spot on. There is a good pace to the play.

Mrs Wilberforce is played by Jenny, she has all the right characteristics of a friendly older lady, she has advised to rent her spare room. She comes into her own in Act 2.

Professor Marcus arrives to see the room, he is convincly played by George. He has the right amount of dry humour and slightly sinister appearance. He's definitely the leader of the gang. He tells Mrs Wilberforce his friends will be coming round for music practice, but they are really planning a robbery. He plays a record of a 'quartet' to throw Mrs Wilberforce off the sent.

The gang arrives, One Round is played by Mark. He has great comic timing and he plays the more stupid one of the gang. He has great facial expressions. 

Major Courtney is played by Patrick, who a gentlemanly con artist, Harry Robinson is played by Gareth as the cockney spiv, & Louis Harvey is taken by Rob as the continental gangster. 

Dawn plays the constable and a teatime guest she has great facial expressions, along with the Sue & Helen as the other tea time guests, all the ladies are very funny. The whole cast are just right together and this comes across. 

We really enjoyed this play, a great story, very funny and a real twist at the end. The audience loved it. 

Well done to you all.

Marie Coltman Noda Rep 

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