Three Class Acts

To put on three separate plays in an evening requires a great deal of organisation.  However, the seamless way in which Ewhurst Players did so was to their great credit.

The first play, "Cruise Missile" written by the prolific Jean McConnell featured two fine actresses, Victoria Helstrip as Janet and Jane Biggins as Goldie.   The story was how Janet, a quiet lady enjoying a solo cruise, had her peace interrupted by the irritating "done it all before" Goldie.    Finally Janet turned the tables and managed to rid herself of Goldie.

A simple set visualising a ship's deck with two lifebelts, two chairs and a small table sufficed very well.

The story gave plenty of opportunity to see the two experienced actresses portray a range of emotions which certainly brought the story to life.

The second play, "Last Post" also by Jean McConnell was the story  of a confidence trickster, Mary O'Riley played by Jay Garland extracting money from the middle-class felicity Grant-Poole, portrayed by Tricia Cooper, the widow of  recently deceased Colonel Edward.    Both actresses played their part with aplomb, giving free vent to the varying emotions that their characters demanded.   

Again, a simple set was sufficient with just a trellis, garden table, two chairs, a coffee pot and cordless 'phone for Felicity and, across on stage right, another chair, table and newspaper for Mary.

The third one act play, "Last Panto in Little Grimley", was written by David Tristram.   The Plot centred on the efforts of Gordon (Mike Fanya), the chairman of Little Grimley Panto Company to increase the faltering attendances by writing his own "sex" panto.    Margaret (Pat Mortimore,) a senior member, was firmly opposed.    Joyce (Nicki Payne) a tone deaf singer and Bernard (Tony Money) a set constructor and lighting technician made up the unlikely foursome on the committee.    The play ended with the lights blowing up and disaster befalling the company.

As a Panto director myself, this plot was a little uncomfortable to watch, but four talented actors made the play, if not the Panto, a great success.    The set I remembered very well from Red Riding Hood which I saw in February.

Directors, Leighton Davies ("Cruise Missile") and Wendy Davies ("Last Post" and "Last Panto in Little Grimley") both deserve great credit for the slick running of these interesting plays and the skilled performances of the eight actors involved.    I was glad to see that NODA was mentioned in the simple programme.   

The evening was overall a very successful and pleasant one made even more so by the wholesome food and friendly service we received during the two intervals.   I wish to express my thanks to Hilary Roberts and other front of house helpers for the warm and attentive welcome my guest and I were accorded.

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