TO GOOD TO BE AMATEUR (Linda Kirkman, The Echo)

Even before a single word was spoken, a magnificent set indicated that this would be a carefully crafted production - and so it proved. There was simply nothing I could fault, from the aforementioned set and excellent technical effects - how many exploding cassette players do you usually see on stage? - to the beautifully timed, first-class performances and Mark Andrews’ excellent direction. The story is ludicrous in the extreme, centering round a briefcase full of money that has been accidentally picked up by accountant Henry Perkins, who decides to flee to Spain with his ill-gotten gains but is thwarted at every turn by the most farcical situations imaginable. But what does a silly story matter when it is all so enjoyable? The cast - Tony Edwards, Bron Littlewood, Simon Trueick, Brian Foley, Victoria Kasar, Paul Tumilty, Pip Newman and Mezin Kasar - never put a foot wrong and there were many moments of pure joy to treasure. In particular, I adored a wonderful scene involving the most skilful briefcase-swapping gymnastics I have ever seen. Well, okay, I haven’t actually seen any before, but even so….. There are times when amateur performances are so good that you can hardly believe they don’t do it for a living. This was one of them.

PERFORMANCES FIT FOR A QUEEN ARE A REAL TONIC (Linda, The Echo)

Never having visited a health hydro, I have no idea how true-to-life the scenario is in this bitter-sweet John Godber comedy - but suffice to say that if I had made plans to take a break there I would now be having second thoughts.
The action takes place over a week at Scardale Hall, somewhere in the heart of England, where the 'residents' appear to pay out mega bucks not only for various treatments but for the privilege of being insulted by their fellow guests and half starved into the bargain. It is hilarious, although the comedy is tempered by the characters' often morbid reflections on life. Lesley Lock's lovely production jogs along well at a steady pace, aided by some top-notch performances. Martyn French is a manic delight as Don weston, a man suffering a mid-life crisis with a vengeance, Victoria Kasar is equally accomplished as his long-suffering wife, Shirley, and Laurie Patey is highly believable as the sickeningly fit, teetotal Ken. But my gold star goes to Sheila Clapcott for an amazingly detailed performance as forthright multi-millionairess Gertrude Tate - an absolute joy. Supporting performances are also first-class, and full marks too for excellent lighting, splendid props and impressively speedy scene changes.

ANOTHER GREAT PANTO? - OH YES IT IS!(Linda Kirkman, The Echo)

I haven't seen any of the local professional pantomimes this season, but I am certain that none can have been any more enjoyable, polished, or well performed than this marvelous romp, superbly directed by Douglas Eyre.
The reason, in part, must be that the excellent script - from the pen of ex ‘Please Sir’ actor Peter Denyer - was originally written for a professional cast, and with the undoubted talents of ASDS added to the equation, how could it be anything other than a sure-fire success? Everything about the show works a treat, and there is never a dull moment. Lovely sets and costumes, good lighting and effects, great choreography (by Claire Hutchins), a happy, smiling chorus ranging in age from tinies upwards, smashing music and, above all, a principal line-up second to none. Mark Andrews (Abanazar), Simon Trueick (Aladdin), Jenni Eyre (So-Shi), David Marris (The Emperor), Brian Foley (Ping) and Laurie Patey (Pong) are all simply superb in their roles. And Tony Edwards is in his element as a splendid Widow Twanky, while Rosie Lock endears herself to the audience - not least because of the goodies she throws them - as a delightful, personality-filled Wishee Washee.