TIMING is of the essence in this wickedly witty play by Alan Ayckbourn.
Under producer/director Dave Eyre, the supremely well cast actors are equal to the split-second exchanges, both verbal and physical.
The comedy, which in Eyre's hands, does not overstep the mark into farce, takes place in two livingrooms which comprise one set. Confused? You won't be as Eyre skilfully succeeds in keeping the action lively and the laughter factor high.
John Nolan is magnificent as Frank Foster, the cuckolded husband who, if there is a wrong end of a stick to get, grasps it with alacrity.
Fiona, his erring wife, is stylishly played by Carole Butler, whose pained expressions often speak even louder than Ayckbourn's clever dialogue. As the warring couple Bob and Teresa Phillips, Mark Weatherall and Jill Howarth complement each other perfectly.
In the dining scene Andy Withers (William Featherstone) and Jacky Gill (Mary Featherstone) were outstanding. They slipped with polished ease from dealing with the Fosters to coping with the Phillips. The results were hilarious.
You need an experienced cast and director to deal with this sort of play which scrutinises relationships while moving along at a swift pace. The slick performances achieved by all involved are a credit to the company.
There is not a weak link in the production. Even if you've never considered yourself to be an Ackbourn fan, I defy you not to enjoy this. Doreen Crowther
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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