The Ladykillers

I was very happy to stand in for my Drama colleague, Marguerite Jennings, in reviewing Cosmopolitan Players Spring production of 'the Ladykillers'.

This classic black comedy, adapted from the original Ealing film and starring Alec Guinness, is ideal for amateur drama groups to get their teeth into - and this group has the advantage in having an excellent group of actors to give the play the off-the-wall comedy it needs.

Directed with flair by Carolyn Craven and Jan Moir, the play had pace and verve. I particularly liked the way sound effects built up the tension at the outset, with a suitably dressed set of an old lady's house - I think you could say 'faded glory'! The characters of Mrs Wilberforce (Liz Coggins) and Professor Marcus (Nick Leitch) dominate the opening scenes of the play and they positively 'bounced' the play along at top speed. There were some great cameo parts for the other main actors, particularly when they played their instruments for Mrs Wilberforce's friends - you just got the feeling early on that this 'heist' would not be successful!

I read in the programme notes that a number of people were responsible for the excellent set - it's not easy for amateur groups to cope with split-level sets, particularly stairs, when there is so little technical time to get used to them. As it was first night, there were some 'tentative' moments, but they did not distract from the overall performance - the cast and directors must be congratulated on keeping the audience right behind them throughout. Costumes and props were very in keeping with the period - always so important.

The diction and clarity from the cast was outstanding, every word was clear (take note, West Yorkshire Playhouse!)

This play has only recently been released for the amateur stage - no doubt we will see more productions as the months go by - I was pleased that Cosmopolitan Players presented such high-class performances.

I must give a 'nod' to the ladies playing Mrs Wilberforce's friends - it's no fun coming on so near the end of the play but they played their parts to the full - hilarious!

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