News feed

Review

Plays ‘n’ Chips 17, Broadstone Players, War Memorial Hall, Broadstone.

FAMILY secrets, old age and amateur dramatics are the diverse subjects covered in this evening of three one-act plays with a fish and chip supper, and apart from the fact that on the first night supper came dangerously close to becoming an early breakfast, there was much to enjoy in this annual and deservedly popular event in which priority of casting is given to new or inexperienced members, with ‘old hands’ slotting in where necessary.

Jenny Hughes’ murder mystery Behind Closed Doors, in which she also performed, is a little long for a one-act play, but it held the audience’s attention and was well directed by David Brown.

Les Clarke wrote and directed Watching the Magpies, a poignant story about Social Services’ decision to separately re-home an elderly stroke victim and her live-in carer. It was beautifully performed by its small cast and was, for me, the high spot of the evening.

And Bev Beck made a great directing debut with Darlings, You Were Wonderful, a lovely piece highlighting the falseness of the world of theatre.

Most importantly, the blend of old and new worked a treat and the end result was a credit to the Players.

Linda Kirkman.

return to review index