Zack

ZACK

BY Harold Brighouse
Presented by Wigan Little Theatre
Directed by Catherine Finch
23rd March 2026

This satirical comedy by the Author of Hobsons Choice follows the fortunes of Zack Munning the youngest son of the formidable widow Mrs Munning. 
Mrs Munning runs a catering and joinery company with her favoured older son Paul. Zack today would be described as on the spectrum, then "half witted" to the despair of his mean spirited and social climbing mother.  Beneath the clumsy and forgetful surface Zack has emotional empathy and a kind heart; qualities recognised by the soon to arrive upper class guest Virginia. Despite the machinations and nefarious planning of mother and equally odious son, love does prevail. 

Mrs Munning played by Cathy Stirrup ...  recreated the larger than life, hardnosed businesswomen to perfection. Bringing the character to life with energy charisma and the perfect comedic streak. Well, done. 

Sally Teale played by Lucy Giddings... the pretend maid. A lovely Foyle for Mrs Munning. Real chemistry and genuine familiarity between Mrs Munning and Sally; the feel of a mother daughter relationship. Lucy manages to display her emotions and inner thoughts through facial expressions without over egging or going into "Silent Movie" mode. Well, Done. 

Paul Munning played by Rob Hampson ... totally convincing as the scheming uncaring brother. Paul's cold and calculating nature tangible in his scenes with Virginia. 

Martha Wrighley played by Lucy Bache ... Lucy captured the essence of the manipulative character. Pretending to cry in a very realistic but funny way added depth to the characters personality. 

Zackariah Munning played by James Walters ... a credible interpretation of the character, eliciting understanding and sympathy. Just a tiny thing which didn't affect the overall performance and forgive me if meant as part of the characters inadequacy, but one or two sentences were hurried or mumbled. Most members of the audience would not notice as diction and projection from all members of the cast were faultless. 

Virginia Cavender played by Lois Graham ... perfectly captured the periods etiquette. Walked talked and acted like a lady. A profoundly endearing scene where Virginia shaves Zacks unkempt beard. 

Joe Wrighley played by Si Foster ... a standout performance as the character prepared to defy all social norms yet still elicit a level of empathy. Joe's interaction with his inebriated pals scary realistic but funny. 

The Inebriated Pals....
Thomas Mowatt played by Colin Magenty & Harry Shoebridge played by Brian Kenrick 

Wigan Little Theatre is unusual as it appears to have a consistent flow of very talented men.  Drunken scenes, easy on the page difficult to lift off and maintain over a number of performances. The level of inebriation, the acceptance and familiarity between the characters. The humour in the scene emerged naturally. A masterclass in the Drunken scene genre.  A crucial but often overlooked building blocks in a Drama. 

The Wardrobe Dept...  Every character in this play was thoughtfully and appropriately dressed defining characters and further immersing the audience. Well, Done Stacey Vernon and Catherine Finch. 

Staging/Tech.... scene changes seamless under the direction of Stage Managers John Naughton and Julie Dickson.

Lighting and Sound .... George Archer, Andy Brown, Sarah Brown, Jess Sinclair, Mel Meadows. Jacob Latham, Archie Watt, Becky Hampson and Izzy Owen. 

A charming gentle Lancashire Comedy. 
A Triumph for Director Catherine Finch and all involved. 

Thank you for inviting me.
David Davies 
N.O.D.A 
Assistant Area Rep 
District 6.

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