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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Two halves of an entertaining whole How The Other Half Loves Sutton Arts Theatre **** SUTTON Arts
Theatre's new season kicked off in great style with a wonderfully funny
staging of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's comedy
How The Other Half Loves. The play first opened in 1969 and was revived by Ayckbourn to mark its 40th anniversary in 2009 with himself as director for the first time since its Scarborough premiere. Although the play was written in the late 60s it
translates very well to a 1990s setting with its timeless story of three
couples, infidelity, crossed wires and farce.
This is a jolly good romp with indiscretion,
misunderstanding, fisticuffs, lies and black eyes and many twists.
All ends well with apologies, passionate reunions and reconciliations
but there is a final twist. The set appears quite complicated but is quickly
and easily understood; the single set represents two separate but very
different rooms, The Fosters' posh home and the Phillips' shabby abode.
Action takes place in both homes simultaneously with only the dining
table crossing over into both househol Frank Foster (Len Schofield) is the undisputed
star of the show, but then he does have the very best part and lines as
the very posh, not too sharp and technologically- and mechanically -
challenged, wronged husband of Fiona (Alison Daly) who has the
sophistication of Hyacinth Bucket and the culinary skills of Delia (or
should that be 60's kitchen goddess, Fanny Craddock?). The infant doesn't actually make an appearance
but definitely makes an impression along the way; prune juice in the
kitchen, air freshener in the soup and something unidentified on Fiona's
hall carpet.
Some of the best comedy moments are provided by
Mark Nattrass as William Featherstone in his drunken rage and his
comedic exits. Suzy Donnelly gives a very plausible performance as
his painfully shy and retiring wife. Particular credit has to be given
to Nattrass and Donnelly for their impeccable timing in the extremely
well-choreographed, famous dinner table scene complete with swivel
chairs. A veritable feast is provided by the competent Fiona in this scene as real food is consumed but I'm sure that there's a limit to how many avocado salads and Italian meatballs (beefburgers actually) the cast will be able to manage before the 10th. Hopefully, they'll see a menu change along the way. Sadly Terri's culinary efforts are thwarted by
the ever-absent babe - Chicken noodle soup au air freshener - but never
mind there is always the wine . . . which is a guaranteed recipe for
disaster. The play is directed by Ian Cornock and Joanne
Ellis is assistant director. I suspect though that Ellis may
have gone above and beyond bearing in mind that Cornock was playing one
of the lead characters as well. The team had to overcome casting
problems and final casting was made only three weeks ago.
There were a few missed lines along the way but
Barbara Christopher did a great job as prompt in what was an enjoyable
show holding out the promise of an entertaining new season. To 10-09-11 Lynda Ford |
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