The Lavender Hill Mob

I was so delighted to be invited to the Scottish Premier of this funny play based on an iconic Ealing Comedy film. I was not to be disappointed in any way.

From the start we were taken to a bar in Rio where all the action took place. The set was simple but clever and effective. Great use of props throughout the show and although minimal the lighting and sound effects worked well. A great piece of production with all bases covered expertly.

What was also done expertly was the casting of this show. All the characters acted their socks off with numerous comic moments handled well. The script calls for a performance within the play and to see the ladies in moustaches and the gentlemen in girls school hats added to the hilarity. It also called for some French speaking well done everyone.

The main character Henry Holland (Mike Christie) moved with expert style from meek mannered to calculating while capturing the audience’s sympathy. His side kick in the action was Pendlebury (James Callachan) who also played the Ambassador. His transition between these two very different characters was seamless. Next we have the ladies Lady Agnes (Brenda Reid), Audrey (Maddie Simpson) and Fernanda (Michelle Abunus Mooney) who moved from character to character, all played numerous parts, with ease and brought them believably to life. Well done girls!! Our last 3 characters were no less impressive the dour Farrow (Richard Paterson), a feisty Sir Horace (Douglas Smith) and a quick witted, slight of hand, magician Sammy (Steven Dunbar) all adding to the impressive line-up of talent.

I loved the way the cast controlled the props and moved the furniture around but most of all I loved the sense of fun which filtered out into the audience. You were enjoying yourselves and it showed.

Well done to all the backstage stars, stage manager and assistants, lighting, sound, makeup, wardrobe, set design, painters and the boss man James. A production of this calibre requires your talented input and you delivered. A special mention to the prompt, I never heard you! Hospitality as always was enjoyed by us both. Looking forward to the next production as it will be an honour to be with you on stage. Thank you for an enjoyable evening! 

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