Chorus of disapproval - review
A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL
This was a perfect choice for the Baldon Players for the Ayckbourn play revolves around an amateur group of players rehearsing ?The Beggar?s Opera? which he cleverly interweaves with the real life dramas of the actors themselves. The cast are thus expected to act and sing , both of which the Baldon Players are more than well qualified to do.
So what did we get! A fast moving plot, interspersed with singing, lively and well acted, with no obvious joins and full of humour. An excellent band ( Penny Dudson in 18th century costume); an excellent cast that kept the plot bouncing along, without a perceptible break between the acts; the dialogue and singing were slick, to say nothing of the necessity of changing from modern dress to 18th century dress at much the same time.
John Barne (Guy Jones) and Martin Stockman ( Dafydd ap Llewellyn) carried the plot; they are to be congratulated for excellent acting and singing ( and no prompts that I could hear!).
Lesley Schillinger?s ( Fay Hubbard) scene with Guy Jones will remain in my memory for a long time. What a perfect seduction scene; her laughter will echo in my mind for years to come!
Heartiest congratulations to the Director, Dave Adlam; his first for the Baldon Players. This is their 6th production; long may they continue. We all look forward to their next production.
Richard Barnett
A DVD of the show is for sale (£10 for a good cause)
For further details contact Peter Burke, pdb@doctors.org.uk