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Badgers Green, Wimborne Drama, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne

WITH the current local debate on cricket pitch versus superstore, Wimborne Drama’s production could hardly be more appropriate, proving that in some respects times have not changed at all since R C Sherriff penned his gentle comedy in 1929. It is well written, sometimes thought-provoking, and Paul Hewitt’s direction is spot on.

Much of the first half is taken up with a meeting of a cricket club sub-committee consisting of Dr Wetherby (the ever-excellent Jeremy Austin), Mr Twigg (Colin Pile) and Major Forrester (David Pile). They are intent on fighting a property developer’s plans, whereas I found myself fighting sleep – no reflection on the actors but probably a combination of the heat and the fact that I am a fan of neither cricket nor committees.

The second act is a much livelier affair, with a cricket match in full flow complete with a last-minute replacement in the form of aforementioned property developer Mr Butler (Tony Feltham in fine form). It also contains what for me was the best scene of the evening, in which publican Mr Rogers (Steve Symonds) shows maid Mary (Carolyn Hewitt) his plans for a re-vamped pub. The lines, and their timing, were a joy.

Linda Kirkman

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