Third Week In August

Peter Gordon’s play ‘Third Week in August’ was the offering from Nunthorpe Players who this year are celebrating their 60th anniversary year.

As in many comedies, the weaknesses and sadness that are found in many people's lives are strongly portrayed in this play. The characters appear on the surface, to have typical and ordinary lives but we find out more as the play progresses.

The play is set in the present day and revolves around three ‘normal’ families who meet up on a caravan site.

Sue, played by Claire Byron-Stonehouse, is the first character who appears on stage. She is an author who is seeking peace and quiet in the hope of some inspiration for her next play. Claire stayed in character throughout and created a really likeable character.

Next, we met the ‘know it all’ character of Neville, played by Ivan Limon and his overbearing wife Mary played by Helen Franks who holiday at the same campsite at the same time every year, the third week in August as the plays title suggests. Ivan and Helen were hilarious as a double act. I likened them to Hyacinth and Richard Bucket (Bouquet) from ‘Keeping Up Appearances’. Strong characters which were held throughout the performance.

Mary's sister Liz, played by Hannah Barker, holidays with them after having left her husband. Liz seems to be under the unwanted protection of her older sister Mary. Hannah played the part well and with conviction.

Tony and his girlfriend Jenny were the last two characters to be introduced to the audience, played by Lee Blake and Jane Passman. They are taking a break with Tony's children, not that Jenny wants to be there at all.

Tony was well portrayed by Lee as a loveable guy who tries to help anyone and everyone even to the detriment of his own relationship. Jane played the role of Jenny so well, a good strong presence on stage and very believable.

The story soon unfolds with Mary telling everyone that her sister Liz has suicidal tendencies and when she goes missing during Neville’s BBQ, everyone goes off to find her. Tony finds her walking along the shoreline at the nearby beach. He jumps into the water thinking she was going to wash out to sea when he realises, he can’t swim! Liz comes swimming to his rescue.

Once back at the campsite, Liz and Tony go into Sue’s caravan to dry off when they are caught by Jenny who naturally jumps to the wrong conclusion and accuses him of having an affair and tells him it’s all over between them.

Tony then convinces her that was not the case even though Liz had most definitely tried it on with him the night before.

All is well in the end (kind of) as the play finishes with Tony and Jenny falling back in love. Neville, who seemed to have had a personality transplant was ignoring his wife Mary and flying a kite. Sue looked on, realising this whole week’s events could make a good story for her new book!!!  

The stage setting was extremely good with some real caravan parts and the actors could even enter and exit from the caravan doors and awnings.

Director Alex Duncan’s vision was brought to life by everyone involved in this comedy play and it was a joy to watch from the cabaret style audience setting.

Sound effects were subtle and never overpowering and the lighting was simple yet very effective. I especially loved the live action sunrise over the campsite.

Well done to all involved. It wasa lovely night’s entertainment and I look forward to being welcomed back in the future.

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