Disapproval may be rife within the fictional Pendon Amateur Light Operatic Society which is the setting of this play.

But when Chesham-based New Penny Theatre Company put on A Chorus of Disapproval at The Elgiva, the audience registered definite approval of the show, writes Sandra Carter.

This is typical Alan Ayckbourn comedy - the prolific playwright wrote it in 1984 and the play continues to offer a window into the life and times of an eccentric local community.

Two characters dominate the story. One is Dafydd, the larger-than-life director of the society, who bombastically tries to cajole and bully the best out of his cast while dealing with the resulting mayhem.

Jeff Eales totally masters this role, his hugely demanding, fast-paced monologues coming fast and furious, while his body language perfectly reflects both his determination and his frustrations.

In total contrast enters Guy, a shy, diffident newly-widowed man of little talent who hopes joining a local society will help him deal with his loneliness.

Played well by Luke Weston, he has to stand silently for long periods, using just facial expressions and body to express his embarrassment and sometimes humiliation as he is given first a tiny part, then, as others fall by the wayside, much bigger ones. These two form a brilliant contrast.

The other society members are a motley group of eccentric locals representing a cross-section of the community, with squabbles, misunderstandings and love rivalries raising the group temperature. Guy soon finds himself at the centre of it all. All the characters are drawn in sharp relief, with Kerry Middleton making her mark as the formidable stage manager Bridget, Irene Moss as the sensuous Fay and Joanne Day as Dafydd’s longsuffering wife, all ably supported by their motley neighbours.

New Penny Theatre Company is based in Chesham and run by Jeff Eales, who not only plays the lead role but is this show’s producer, along with director Lin Instone.

The group’s enjoyment at taking to the stage backed by an efficient back-stage team is evident, and it’s good to know that amateur dramatics is still thriving in our small towns.