Tons of Money

TONS OF MONEY – a farcical comedy - by Will Evans and Valentine, adapted by Alan Ayckbourn is one of those plays that is difficult to follow but impossible not to love, if done well.  And this version was done very well.  The action takes place in the drawing room of Aubrey Henry Maitland Allington’s house in Marlow in 1922.  With his wife, Louise, they live a luxurious life, but all on credit.  The bills pile up and the prospect of a windfall means that all their money worries will be over. But, in the best tradition of farcical comedy, things are never quite that simple .  If the creditors find out about the windfall, the money will be gone.  That is, unless he “dies” and his debts die with him....

The Allington Residence was excellent and very realistically created with great attention to detail.  All the set dressing evoked memories and was appropriate. The props were excellent such as the 20s phone and well used by the cast.  The garden backdrop was exquisitely painted and deserves a special mention and an opening window was also another great feature in this excellent set.  The costumes were fantastic and there was great attention to detail: 20s head-dress, quality maid’s uniform, tattered post-explosion shirt etc.

The outstanding talent of the cast resounded throughout this excellent production.  Deserving special praise, Charlie Henkey showed considerable comic talent in the role of Louise, the scheming and sometimes scorned wife. She was always energetic enthusiastic and entertaining to watch.   Oli Williams had a mammoth challenge in transforming from nice-but-dim Aubrey to a variety of roles in this complicated plot.  And he rose to the challenge and should be congratulated for his courage in appearing on the stage with nothing but a “No Fishing” sign to protect his modesty.  He also attempted several accents which were well received by the audience.   The pace was good throughout the production as the complicated plot unravelled with the appearance of two more Henerys: long lost cousins complete with comedy beards and hilarious results thanks to Nick Lock and Clive Solomons immersing themselves in the chaos.    There were some well timed entrances and exits in the labyrinthine plot (sometimes reminiscent of a Keystone Kops film) and memorable scenes: when Aubrey reappears and tells his tales of life in Mexico and Mississippi.  The story got more ludicrous and the laughs piled up during this very entertaining evening produced by Tim Oliver and directed by Claire Humphreys. Well done Silchester Players!

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