The Time of my Life

Performed in the Studio, which made for a very personal feel it almost felt we were sitting in the Essa De-Calvi restaurant for the highly entertaining play performed so well by the group.

I must compliment the attention to detail in personal props with good quality crockery, wine glasses and the like. It was also so good to have drinks actually poured out and real food eaten which is not sadly always the case in shows.

Simon & Wendy Todd playing Gerry and Laura (the parents) gave delightful account of the characters from Laura’s slight aloof correct manner to a rather jolly fellow in husband Gerry until of course various long past revelations came to the fore. He was not so jolly then! Richards Pudney playing the older son Glyn and Lewis Rodger playing his younger brother Adam both gave confident performances. Adam especially had a very expressive face and a relaxed manner. Richard I understand came into the part at a late stage and coped very well with a lot of dialogue in a guarded way to fit the character of Glyn.

Stephanie played by Alexa Tyrrell was very accomplished with excellent casting here. Easy intelligent dialogue, body language just right and glamorous outfits added to this long -suffering wife of Glyn.Well done Alexa!

Laura Wheeler playing Maureen Adam’s girlfriend was suitably accommodating with Adam’s family even though she was made to feel not good enough for the favourite son.Again a lot of thought to both the character and also the various colourful clothes she wore.A well played part.

Darrell Scott as three different waitersTuto,Aggi & Bengie all rolled into one was terrific with both timing and his attempt at singing various romantic songs to try to give atmosphere to the diners. An enjoyable interpretation. Kathleen Dunbar as the proprietor Taisa and Jane Dunbar as a very fiery waitress Dinka, added their own styles to these two parts which were most enjoyable.

The story line was quite complicated until it progressed, but eventually became clear we had both future and past with the family.It was a clever play as expected from Alan Ayckbourne and one that the audience including myself thoroughly enjoyed.

All the cast gave confident performances. A good deal of the entrances and exits were in a dark studio and the cast coped well with this.

Congratulations to Terry for directing a most enjoyable show and evening. Well done Dovercourt Theatre Group.

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