Guessing to the end
The Compton Players: Don't Dress For Dinner, from Wednesday, November 10 to Saturday, November 13
One can expect a farce to have all the usual ingredients of an
extra-marital relationship, mistaken identities, compromised innocent
parties, business with clothing, numerous doors and a soda siphon. This
needs to be handled skilfully, which was certainly the case with the
Compton Players with their most enjoyable performance of Marc
Camoletti's play.
Maintaining a good pace throughout, the cast kept us on our toes, and
with plenty of laughter, as we followed the twists and turns as the
situation, and their relationships became more and more complicated.
Bernard, played by Paul Shave, remained calm as the chaos developed around
him and he involved Dave Hawkins' Robert in his schemes, forcing him into
very awkward situations. Both men handled the delivery of the complex, yet
dubiously plausible explanations very well and earned deserved applause from
the appreciative audience.
Helen Saxton produced some excellently-timed comedy in the character of
Suzette, especially with her frequent demands for 200 francs to agree to the
latest demand on her. On being told "you can't wear that" the business of
changing her dress, assisted by Bernard and Robert, was ingenious and very
slickly executed.
Mary Warrington as Jacqueline and Tracey Pearce as Suzanne were both
caught in the middle of the confusion thinking they were in control of
things at one moment only to find them going wrong at the next. They
provided good balance and pace to the situation to offset the frantic
activity of the men.
Phil Prior's arrival as Suzette's no-nonsense husband George brought more
revelations and once again moved the plot in another direction.
Interval discussions among the audience pondered how the situations that
had been created could possibly be resolved. The final outcome was not
altogether expected and we were left wondering until near the very end.
The excellent set, designed by Alec Farr, provided the perfect setting
and Enid Farr's careful direction demonstrated many well-planned moves and
positioning for the actors with their numerous and well timed entrances and
exits.
I look forward to seeing more productions by the Compton Players
PETER KEARNS |
