Try Anything Twice

Try Anything Twice by Little Eaton Players

On a very warm evening it was a pleasure to venture out to Little Eaton, not only enjoying a warm welcome but having the opportunity to reflect on the fabulous set. This play was clearly set in the 1970’s with the little touches that took me back to the decade of my birth. The furniture reminded me of so many houses of the time, the wallpaper, phone, lamps, ducks, net curtains and so much more to take in.

This also flowed through the programme created by Rachel Humphries and the sound by Pete Watson with adverts of the time being played in the background. I had my daughter with me, and she informed me that this was now all 'retro' and she would love a room like that! I particularly loved the Radio Trent advert on 96.2. A massive well done to all the off-stage teams that helped us to travel to a different time and place with lighting by Ian Humphries and set by Steve Baines, Cliff Kent, Ian Humphries and the cast and crew and Caroline Svitana on props and Lynda Stevenson as prompt. The front of house team were all very welcoming and all wearing 1970’s T-shirts. Who would not want to perform on such a fantastic set? It provided the perfect backdrop for this talented cast to bring the story to life.

Rachel Humphries gave a gave a good performance as the Granny keeping things moving with great comedy timing and expression, quite often being the spine of the piece holding everyone together.

Betty was played well by Amelia Hutchison the disapproving daughter of Michael and Josephine McGowen. Michael is alarmed that his wife has won a glamourous granny competition and the prize involved. Played by Ben Forman, Ben gives a humorous portrayal of the jealous husband and later his own character develops as he battles with his affections of the reporter Paula Smith.

Sam Osvath gave a very strong performance as Josephine McGowen, Michael's wife, proving to be the perfect counterpart to local celebrity and competition prize, Clive Cartwright. Winning the glamorous granny competition sees Josephine awarded a week in Clive's company, and Sam skilfully portrayed the emotional highs and lows that followed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between Charlie Saville played by Stefan Osvath and the rest of the cast, his desire to stir things up and add to the chaos was very funny to watch, particularly as the plot unfolded. Richard Kirkland as Clive Cartwright was a masterstroke, as was his wardrobe! Every entrance was a joy and the interaction to build the mayhem even more, something that I really enjoy in a play of this type.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the final character that builds the piece to its crescendo. Jo Russell as the fascinating Paula Smith did a wonderful job in putting the feeling of fear and passion into Michael and the dilemmas involved. Jo delivered the role with the enthusiasm and professionalism it required to be worthy of the laughter it produced.

This was a highly entertaining production, congratulations to the Director Catherine Baker and all the talented cast and backstage team. We look forward to seeing Little Eaton Players next production of Sleeping Beauty.

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