Bang You’re Dead
Lydia and her boyfriend Marcus rehearse the murder of Theo, Lydia’s husband, which they are to commit that evening. When the victim and ‘perfect witness’ arrive all goes according to plan except that Marcus kills Lydia. A ghastly mistake – or are there some deviations from the original plot? In reality Marcus is Theo’s boyfriend and Lydia the intended victim all along.

Last Tango in the Chalfonts

Membership of the local amateur drama society has dwindled to four. Time for dramatic action. There’s only one thing that sells tickets these days – sex. But how will the locals react to the promise of a sizzling sex comedy? All is revealed in this fast-paced comedy of an Am-Dram in trouble. David Tristram’s hilarious play requires only the simplest of props and no scenery.

What’s for Pudding?

Mary and Jack’s dull Saturday evening is interrupted by the arrival of Maureen, Ted and Dennis. The occasion rapidly dissolves into a drunken gathering as Ted’s intellect is likened to that of a paper clip, Maureen, his wife, reveals a liking for Jack, and Jack rapidly cultivates a taste for pouring whisky over his head.

Comedy Triple Bill Review by Noda

Society: St Peter Players
Production: Seussical the Musical
Date: 21st March 2014
Report By: Rita Carpenter

INTRODUCTION

We received a very warm welcome on our arrival from Front of House including the programme seller and had time to purchase drinks before being shown to our seats.

It was a Supper evening and the hall was laid out with tables making for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I was informed that this was the first time each of the directors had had an opportunity to direct and one act plays are always a good way for them to try out their skills and see if they are any good and if directing is for them, good directors are hard to find. I had come across all these plays before and it was nice to revisit them.

THE PROGRAMME

This was printed on good quality paper with photographs and details of all members of the cast.  There was no mention of NODA and it would be appreciated to have some details and the logo if at all possible. The programme cannot be entered into the competition without this, so please do consider it for the future.

THE SET

With three one act plays it is not always easy to have a different set for each  but with the expertise of Alan Caesar-Gordon (brawn) and Tina Barclay (brains) the first and third were superb. ‘Bang You’re Dead’ offered a modern setting tastefully decorated and very impressive.  The second play Last Tango in the Chalfonts, was played out front of curtain and all that was required was a table and four chairs.  The final play What’s for Pudding offered a completely different set. How this was achieved was nothing short of miraculous. The back stage crew were not mentioned in the programme but how they must have worked to get two leather sofas onto the set with not a sound, this was a mammoth task and carried out in complete silence a great achievement and my compliments must go to everyone involved in this .It certainly was amazing.

Janeta Kling was on props and Ruth Corner and Brenda Snuggs ensured that everyone was attired correctly and in keeping with each of the plays.

BANG YOU’RE DEAD

Directed by Helen Capewell it was a tale with a twist. Georgina Kling offered glamour to the piece, she was elegantly dressed but had a tendency to rush her lines. Steve Element playing her love interest was the suave and good looking Marcus but I didn’t feel he demonstrated enough menace as a would be burglar. Theo Spink was confidently played by Haydn Davis but the accolade for the best performance must go to Liz  Peskin she was brilliant and stole the show. The twist at the end got surprised murmurs from the audience which meant they were engrossed in the action, an interesting interpretation.

LAST TANGO IN THE CHALFONTS

I love the Little Grimley plays and have come to know them well. It was a clever twist to rename this with of course permission so that it could be used by the group to mention local organisations which raised an extra laugh from the audience. This was directed by Graham Caesar-Gordon. Credit goes to Haydn Davis for changing his persona so quickly to play Gordon the frustrated director, Kirstin Harrison played the acid tongued Margaret with ease and Helen Capewell was the dim and ditzy Joyce so desperate to appear in a musical. Steve Cubbage was great as Bernard the bolshy set designer. I have seen this play many times and it is like meeting with old friends again but each time it has a different interpretation.

WHAT’S FOR PUDDING?

Saving the best till last this was the funniest of the three plays. Well directed by Alan Caesar-Gordon (what a talented pair) this had a great script and all the actors made the most of every line. Graham Caesar-Gordon played long suffering Jack with ease as though the role had been made for him. Tina Barclay was excellent and very funny as his wife Mary. Liz Peskin demonstrated her versatility in taking on a different role as the rather dim Maureen but certainly came into her own as the action progressed. Nic Barton played her husband Ted admirably and Steve Cubbage making his second appearance of the evening was Dennis the very drippy visitor. It was a great ending to an enjoyable evening and one of which the audience certainly approved.

IN CONCLUSION

The last time I was invited to review the Players was in July 2011 and it was great to be back to see such an artistic bunch, do hope I shall be invited again as I have been informed by several people that both their pantomimes were fabulous so I hope I don’t get to miss another treat.