WAITING FOR GATEAUX

Whilst watching this excellent play from Cospopolitan Players, it made me think that there are probably very few women and sometimes men who have not tried dieting of some description - whether it's cutting out lovely food or exercising all the time, it's a sure bet that the whole idea will have been discarded by about week two!

This was the play's premise - members of the fitness club, Mo-tivators, seem to be more interesed in gossip and junk food than getting down to the serious business of dieting!

Cleverly directed by Gillian Myers in the intimate setting of the Studio at the Carriageworks, this comedy had the audience laughing from the word go!  Here were five actors who understood comedy, delivering their lines with confidence and meaning. The leader of the Mo-tivators, Maureen, was played by Jane Ellaway - I have seen Jane in many productions over the years and she always gives 100 per cent to her performances - this was no exception. Maureen has run the fitness club for many years and understands her fellow members really well. The first person to arrive after the Christmas break was Donald, a rather shy man and the only man in the club!  Played extremely well by Jai Jai Ekins, he is the only member to have lost weight - and he has a fondness for Maureen, not really reciprocated. Next to arrive was Jackie, played ferociously by Grace Harper - she has some classic dialogue!  With her was her sister, Whitney - a true Goth and demanded to be called Raven. It turns out that she is in fact Jackie's daughter - Kirsty Barnes played her role to perfection. Mother and daughter had been estranged but Jackie was making every effort to make things right between them. Into this mix arrives Sophie, supposedly from a television company, wanting to film the class in action. Emily Cutts played this role very well - she makes Maureen sign a 'contract' which Maureen thinks is for the TV show - but it transpires that she has actually signed a contract to remove the club from the rented permises by a property developer who intends to demolish it. When this is discovered by the group, all hell breaks loose!  All I can add to that is - it all turns out well in the end!  The group can keep up their meetings eventually, in Jackie's double garage, but not necessarily the fitness!

This was a well-written play by Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, old hands at comedy - The action moved forward, no gaps and the actors kept up the pace and their characterisations really well. I would have liked to have seen a litte more definition in the way of cold January - perhaps more scarves, coats etc., but I did like the snow dusting on the costumes which was very effective. The 'body' padding for the actors was also well done - it was a delight to see the cast after the performance back to their slim selves!

There was an experienced team behind the scenes - Paul Myers (Stage Manager), Tina Nutt (Lighting), Mandi Rugg (Props), Cos Committee (Front of House) - and once again, a special mention to Gillian Myers for her confident direction.

A lovely touch for the audience was a mini - gateau given with each programme. There was no 'Waiting for Gateaux' for me - it was to be expected that I ate my cake with a cup of tea when I got home - delicious - that's the diet gone again!!

I sincerely congratulate 'Cos on a great evening's entertainment - they should be proud of their performances. 

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