Tons of Money

Tons of Money was originally produced in 1922, written by Will Evans and Valentine, as one of the famous Aldwych Farces. Alan Ayckbourn cleverly brought it up to date, but it still retains a flavour of the original period. Aubrey Allington an unsuccessful inventor inherits an interest in a fortune which will revert to his cousin on his death. Since the cousin is presumed dead, and he is reluctant to share his wealth with his many creditors, his wife Louise comes up with a plan for him to fake his own death, so that she inherits the fortune and is able to pay off their considerable debts. Well, that was the plan.

Once again, The Nonentities presented an excellent set, in the library of the Allington house in the summer of 1928. The style, the furniture and pictures were just right and congratulations are due to the set design by Keith Rowland and all involved in its construction. The scene opens with Sprules the butler, played as a butler would, by Tony Newbold, at the same time keeping track of all the goings on! He is playfully chasing Simpson the efficient but slightly dippy parlourmaid, played well by Jo Rush, against a strobe lighting effect, also used later whilst they both made changes to the set prior to each new act.

Martin Salter as Aubrey was excellent and not in the slightest concerned about his mounting debts, presented his dialogue at a good pace whilst re-appearing at various moments in disguise,  Laura Jacob as Aubrey’s wife is a match for Salter, of bright disposition, hatching the plans and insisting the details must be right,

News of the potential fortune was communicated by the family lawyer, James Chesterman handled throughout with a poised well-spoken presence by Rupert Boden. Another great character was Auntie ‘Ben’ Benita Mullet, well played by Pamela Meredith, amusingly hard of hearing, needing conversations to be repeated and then claiming “No need to shout, I’m not deaf”.  The family gardener Giles, played well by Dan Taylor, also popped in from time to time producing various produce, in a convincing but rather slow, blunt and at times uncouth way.

Much hilarity follows as Aubrey reappears three weeks later as George from Mexico, and meets his ‘former wife’ Jean Everard (Jess Bishop) who recognises him from their kiss – That does not go down well with Louise, who now suggests Aubrey should disappear, from drowning when out for a swim, never to be found.

Next up, Sprule’s brother Henery (Connor McGee) posed as George (Sprules had his own plot to get his hands on the money) in an identical disguise and again Jean recognised him from their kiss ! To cap it all, the real George Maitland turns up (George Gallagher) and there is a clever sequence when they are both coming and going on and off the set,, then meet and end up fighting. Eventually Aubrey reappears rather dishevelled, apparently having lost his memory.

When taking their bows the cast were joined by other members of the team as ‘Tradespeople’. Everyone was well dressed, sound and lighting effective, and received the applause of an appreciative packed house, and I enjoyed it too. Direction by Sue Downing.

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