Review: Ghosts of Bedlam and The Fat Lady Sings in Little Grimley (From Bucks Free Press)
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Review: Ghosts of Bedlam and The Fat Lady Sings in Little Grimley at Wendover Memorial Hall
3:55pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Freetime By Rita Carpenter
The Wendover Theatre Society offered a supper theatre for their two one act plays. It was ‘bring your own’ and we were able to purchase fish and chips before we arrived at the hall which was laid out with tables and there was a bar.
The first play was set in an old empty mental institution looked after by Janet admirably played by Ellen David. Into this scenario comes Rachel a bossy and strident Civil Servant well played by Jo Newbon accompanied by Royston a film maker impressively played by Matthew David.
Royston is commissioned to make a documentary of the mental health sector and what improvements have been made since the 1990’s. Enter a bag-lady Milly superbly played by Maggy Collins so realistic that I felt itchy when it was confirmed by her vigorous scratching that she had fleas.
Well directed by Carol Blake the play was dark and very moving and an indictment of the mental health system.
In complete contrast the Little Grimley play one of a trilogy presented a failing drama group (only four members) and the struggle to stage plays and find an audience.
To their horror a rival company sets out to stage a musical and the attempts by the group to sabotage their rivals makes for some amusing scenes. Derek Yardley was Gordon the officious chairman riding roughshod over the other members.
Nicky Cook played Joyce the rather naïve and easily bullied secretary, Caron Scott was the ‘posh totty’ of the group and Matthew David played Bernard a laid back no nonsense guy who was not afraid to express his opinions in rather colourful language.
Ably directed by Ellen David, it rounded off the evening well and the delighted audience expressed their approval.
Their next production is their pantomime Santa in Space which should prove a welcome and different production from the usual pantomime stories.
