AMERSHAM Playgoers Theatre Group staged this collection of 5 playlets by Alan Ayckbourn. This was not easy as several of the actors had to play more than one part, some of them as many as four roles endeavouring to change their personalities to suit the parts they played.

The first action takes place in a living room where neighbours visit a young bossy woman who reduces them to a parent child reversal.

The next scene set in a bar, with a young girl being dazzled by a rather sleazy salesman i9s rescued by an unimpressed friend.

The first half concluded with a restaurant scene where two couples having a meal were less than honest with their spouses. In the second half a marquee was set up for the annual fete and the hilarious consequences of the weather and several other factors reduced this to almost farce.

The final scene set in and a park was probably written with the most insight into the people on the seats and the way they behaved towards each other.

The set changes were very well executed transforming the scenes cleverly.

The lighting was excellent as was the sound and the storm effect with the heavy rain was superb.

Directed by Rob Bowen this was one of Ayckbourn’s earlier plays but not one of his best. The clever lighting in the restaurant scene where the action flowed between tables was extremely effective.

The scene at the Fete had some funny incidents and the general effects were superb. This was not the best vehicle to show off the many talents this group has but a few fine performances lifted the action.