Performances by local theatre groups are always an adventure, some might say a challenge, especially if the programme is billed as a “comedy”. This was no exception! The 3-act play is set on the stage of a community theatre, and in this case performed in a local community venue, with two acts presenting a glimpse of their rehearsals and the final act their Opening Night.
This was the final night to a full house, the audience seated at large round tables (each for 10 people) and the bar open from the beginning – beware chinking glasses. An interesting range of characters, some funny one-liners, and a terrible woman character as the playwright. Their rehearsals were typical of amateur groups everywhere, I believe, with lots of sniping and back-handed compliments. A bit uncomfortable with some very obvious “fat” jokes, although the character did make much of their size and their voluminous costume in the final act.
It is great as a local theatre as you know the people in their every-day lives. Our mayor was hilarious pretending to play a piano, especially with a strange black wig when we all know his unruly curly hair! The joker character Saul had a relaxed, very strong voice, and there were some great sound effects in the final act, but the words of the songs were terrible (intentionally presumably).
The 3rd Act was priceless and worth waiting for. We loved Lord Essex in his white tights, and the couple who both had a bad cold so couldn’t hear anything properly and subsequently provided the planned noise effects out of sync. Very well done, although there was a lot of prompting needed for some characters despite this being the third night’s performance.
We love local theatre groups, always a great atmosphere and a very forgiving audience. This is a good venue, and the large tables for the audience makes it more relaxing than sitting in rows.
