The Plaza Suite

The Plaza Suite is a three act play with separate scenarios of a New York hotel room 719 that  was performed to a cabaret style audience.  Curtains opened to reveal a classic box set with lounge and bedroom that was really lovely décor and interior designs. Lighting and sound were nicely done throughout.

Act I was the story of business driven man Sam Nash played by Ivan Limon who was self-centred egotist and his doting dipsy wife played by Liz Taylorson whose character transforms from setting out as a romantic anniversary planner and ending to an emotional marriage split caused by the younger secretary, cameo nicely played by Abbie King. The hotel bellhop / waiter was well played Daniel Taylorson as he became the cornered listening ear. A clever script nicely done between the main couple, good volume on accents by all, though at an hour performance felt a bit slow.

Act II was a light-hearted script, as a couple of old friends meeting in the room after years apart, Terry Pritchard as the Hollywood producer “Jesse” had the audience giggling from his entrance in his undies as he dressed with intent to woo, and is sassed by the cameo Waitress played by Helen Hughff very nicely. Terry had a great accent and character throughout but stunted flow by the several prompts required. Alex Duncan as the flustered housewife friend “Muriel” was excellent in her character, strong fast talking New York accent delivered with speed yet clear diction and superb in her character from demure homely housewife to the released sexy predator jumping onto bed with Jesse. The two had good chemistry and expressions and gained many laughter moments as the scene built nicely.

Act III gave the third scenario of a couple trapped as parents with a daughter locked in the bathroom refusing to go through with the wedding that was meant to be happening in the hotel.  Helen Franks opened the scene as the doting mother, “Norma” elegantly dressed, supposedly sophisticated and yet panicking profusely, trying to hold the situation together and calling for the husband to solve the situation, and the scene ensues with their battling with each other as trying to persuade the belligerent bride to come out.  Ivan Limon this time as the father in tails “Roy” played a great role with good and throaty accent holding throughout. His energy, character and comedy expressions were really well done.  Helen’s characterisation and expressions were really great and gave some lovely comedy moments. Daniel Taylorson played another cameo role as the groom “Borden” with hilarious hair and one liner, and daughter “Mimsey” eventually emerging was played by Abbie King as another cameo very nicely.  A funny script and scene well played by all, which had the audience in loud laughter many times. 

Lovely setting, and most enjoyable evening, thank you Players – well done all 

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