IT'LL BE HARD TO BEAT THIS SHOW(Linda Kirkman, The Echo)

ASDS' production is the UK amateur premiere of this Alan Ayckbourn play, and it sets a standard that will, I believe be hard to emulate, let alone beat.
The set-a riverside apartment in London's Docklands - is astoundingly good, with every detail considered, even down to curtains blowing in the wind, and lighting and sound cues are spot-on. Director Peter Nunan has done a great job, with every facet of his characters' personalities brought to the fore, and performances are first class. True, the plot has a few anomalies that do not bear close scrutiny, but it is refreshingly original and hugely amusing, with only a few traces of Ayckbourn angst. Victoria Kasar and Richard Fudge are just right as ill-matched young couple Julie Ann and Justin, whose carefully planned evening is ruined by the unexpected arrival of former lap dancer Paige Petite (an excellent Rosie Lock) and her minder, Micky (Martyn French), and Bron Littlewood, as Justin's alcoholic mother, Arabella, and Mark Andrews as Julie Ann's father, Derek, give lovely detailed characterisations. But it is Lesley Lock, as Julie Ann's mother, Dee, who comes close to stealing the show with a performance that had me laughing so much I almost had to be taken outside.

COWARD CLASSIC PAYS OFF(Linda Kirkman, The Echo)

‘AS usual, ASDS came up with the goods in this production, which was directed by Douglas Eyre. Attention to detail always pays off, so full marks to the company for superb costumes that positively shrieked 1920s and a thoroughly realistic set – although I did have my doubts that Cookham residents would have such garishly coloured flowers growing on their trellis. It would be hard to go wrong with Noel Coward’s wittily acerbic script, so it was no surprise that the cast seemed so comfortable in their roles. The Blisses really did seem like the family from hell, with Sheila Clapcott giving a splendid portrayal of the ultra theatrical and totally insincere Judith and Brian Foley suitably downtrodden as equally uncaring author husband, David. Rachel Mackrell simply shone as daughter Sorel, while Laurie Patey was impressively petulant, although a little too stridently vocal, as son Simon. And as the hapless weekend guests caught up in the family‘s games, Victoria Kasar caught the bitchy character of Myra Arundel to perfection, Rosie Lock was beautifully dippy as Jackie Coryton and Tony Edwards and John Sivewright just right as Richard Greatham and Sandy Tyrell. And Sue Herring stomped about with amusing resignation as Clara, the put-upon maid.’

STAR TURNS FROM ALL SAINTS(Michael Leigh, The Echo)

‘This fresh retelling of the events of the first Christmas through the eyes of the angels has all the elements needed for you to have a good time. Lesley Lock’s imaginative production makes good use of the multi-level and multi-functional clever set. The good use of lighting and other technology was only marred by the few opening night gremlins in the sound system, which the cast overcame admirably. The ensemble cast of angels with a wonderful assortment of costumes worked well together, led by Olly (Mark Andrews). He is assisted by Olly’s Angels, Becky, a bouncy Mia Skytte-Jensen, Jazzy, a vibrant Rosie Lock, and Nicky, an angelically voiced Rachel Mackrell. Several stars shine in this show, and one of the brightest is Gabby, the trainee angel, excellently played by Richard Fudge, and the evil Herod sees Tony Edwards pulling out all the stops. Beware, don’t think you are safe in your seat! Oxy (Pip Newman) and Assy (Sally Davis) are a delight. Follow the audience to this splendid family production on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.’