Three for a Laugh

It is just under a year since I last visited Inkberrow Players. That time for a home written play, this time for three short plays written by two popular authors within the amateur theatre circuit.

The welcome extended is always friendly with the group and I was pleased to meet the chairman and others before they went backstage to prepare for their performance.

The audience number for the Saturday matinee performance was not bad – indeed many groups would have been pleased to see such a turn out. The group are well supported within the village and surrounding community – maybe due to the emphasis on bringing out the humour in the script which is a priority within the group.

We saw three well written and well performed short plays – Between Mouthfuls (Alan Ayckbourn), Last Tango in Little Grimley (David Tristram) and Gosforth’s Fete (Alan Ayckbourn). A total of 14 roles to cover – no one appearing twice.

Between Mouthfuls

The stage was set for this play as we made our way into the hall. This was very simple with two tables set downstage and a large covered table upstage and what appeared to be an Italian scenic picture.

The action involves two couples Donald (Gary Clubley) and Emma (Barbara Clubley) at one table with Martin (Karl Stallard) and Polly (Ange Beddow) at the other. Add to the mix The Waiter (Mark Smith).

The dialogue in this short play flows as we view discussions between the couple along with interactions with the waiter. What makes this play different is that some dialogue is heard while some is not. This requires actors to start and stop talking mid-sentence.   The chemistry and interactions worked well as it became evident something was going on between the two couples. The four customers all had developed their characters well. I particularly enjoyed the reading out of the menu by Donald due to Emma having forgotten her glasses and Emma’s responses to this.

Mark as the waiter worked well between the couples as he both served food and dodged movements to pour out wine. I was pleased to see attention to detail and real, edible food served up.

Last Tango in Little Grimley

The staging was simple, a table and chairs with a clothes rail upstage right. The play surrounds an amateur theatre group and their AGM consisting of four members.

Many will recognise the discussions held such as show requests – Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Oklahoma and South Pacific when membership is simply not there.

Martyn Hamm as chairman has written a play which is guaranteed to sell tickets, sex sells and if not delivered who would have the bravery or nerve to complain!  Martyn played the character with strength.

Bernard the group’s set builder was well played by Tim Tyrrell. Like many holding this role he had no interest in acting and portrayed this well.

Joyce the treasurer who seemed to be skilled in knitting and has great dreams about the ability of the group. Sue Blundell was a delight in the role making the most of her lines.

Melanie Hart was convincing as Margaret the strong minded character who wanted to be chair and went on to save the group!

The play was a delight to watch as the cast rehearsed their play, with missing pages and lost cues which went on to sell out and was then discussed at the next AGM!

Gosforth’s Fête

The third and final play. The set consisted of the interior of a marquee at the local fête with bunting up stage. Much of the action took place off stage which was clearly portrayed.

Tim Cole as Gordon Gosforth and Becca Thomson as Milly Carter worked well together while setting up the tea tent ready for the fete, and preparing the microphone for announcements.

What could go wrong?

Maybe Milly informing Gordon of her pregnancy while the PA microphone is getting set up? It is evident where the play goes!

Sharon Cole as the local councillor was a delight and portrayed the role well, even when covered in mud following a thunder storm and getting electrocuted when opening the fete.

We saw a stereotypical vicar played by John Bailey and the somewhat angry scout leader and boyfriend of Milly well played by Ben Hart becoming increasingly drunk.

The business with the broken tap on the tea urn was well done.

Thank you to all at Inkberrow Players, and congratulations to all involved in these three plays all directed by Martyn Hamm. Diction was clear throughout. Lighting was simple but effective and sound worked well especially in Gosforth’s Fête with the live microphone and the pregnancy announcement. Costumes were suitable for each character throughout the three plays.

It is always good to see a thriving and enthusiastic group who bring live entertainment to Inkberrow and the surrounding area. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

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