Review: Sailor Beware - St Joseph's Players, Leigh

SET in the 1950s, Sailor Beware, written by Philip King and Falkland Cary, is a lighthearted piece which guides us through the pre-wedding goings on of the Hornet family.

Shirley, the bride, played with subtle innocence by Jenny Costello, deals with a catalogue of catastrophes as the big day approaches.

Rayyah Unsworth, who gave a nice portrayal as bridesmaid Daphne, soon had her eyes on the best man.

Barbara Mayers plays the mother of the bride and housewife, Emma Hornett, very well and sustains a polished comic performance throughout.

Michael Evans, as bridegroom Albert, turns in a strong performance. The scene where he gives his mother-in-law-to-be a piece of his mind was played just right.

He worked well with his best man, Carnoustie, played with a consistent Scottish accent by Daniel McCarrick.

Clare Nash as spinster Aunt Edie, who was jilted at the altar 20 years earlier is hilarious. Comedy timing was well measured and she built up the dottiness just right and didn’t overplay the part — an excellent performance.

David Farrell as the hen-pecked father delivered several one-liners with consummate ease which caused many a laugh.

The constant interruptions of nosey next door neighbour, Mrs Lack, played with an over the garden wall style approach by Pauline Dowsette, were the cause of even more stress.

Always there when the kettle was on, this performance was well measured and was a great addition to the comedy.

As all seems lost the arrival of the vicar, played with sincerity by Paul Jameson, soon gets things back on track and the inevitable happy ending ensues.

Director June Lee has put together an enjoyable production with a good cast.

Costumes were in keeping with the period and props and sets were authentic which added to the believability this classic play.

Paul Cohen