The Target

LATEST PLAYGOERS TREAT IS OLD-FASHIONED GOOD NATURED COMEDY

As the final play in his well-chosen and successful programme, Louth Playgoers’ president Peter Maddison reverts to the sort of old-fashioned good natured comedy which has been the staple for the society for decades.

Judging from the response to Margaret Neale’s affectionate production Monday’s first night, which varied from contented chuckles to hearty laughter, the audience appreciated this sweet dessert following the meaty challenge of last month’s Amadeus.

The sense of nostalgic goodwill is heightened by the return of Judy Kitching (formerly Tester), bringing more than 30 years’ experience with 27 performances for Playgoers to the central role. She plays Susan Shaw, a loyal wife for nearly 40 years and community stalwart. Trying to recover from her husband leaving her for a woman young enough to be her daughter.

Her good friends on the village hall committee back her enthusiastically in her attempt to find a new self but their suggestions, including taking up with a toy boy or an old flame and being thoroughly selfish, leave her facing more complicated choices than she expected.

Judy overcame a few first night problems with lines to make a sympathetic, defiant but vulnerable Susan and entertained the audience with her cheerful physical clowning, doing her step exercises or protesting to the corsetry buttressing her new figure in a transformation from dumpy scruff to elegantly gowned and made-over party lady. More depth of experience is added to the cast by that assured couple Yvonne and David Mapletoft, husband and wife playing husband and wife.

Yvonne gives Judy strong support her bubbly charm and humour being ideal for Linda, Susan’s best friend and self-appointed  stylist and fitness instructor. David’s mischievous grin equally suits Linda’s insensitive husband whose best advice to Susan is to be the pigeon, not the statue.

Two debutants hold their own with the more experienced players. Keith Bullock has lived 20 years in Louth before this, his first appearance for Playgoers. He should have had a go sooner. His height gives him presence and as Henry, the quietly spoken committee chairman with a hidden passion. He has a nice easy manner and a natural sincerity. Young Mark Gould, whose contrast in size added to the humour of his conflict with Henry, does equally well in his début. He has the right awkward earnestness as the naïve nerd trying to express his aspirations to be a toy boy in terms of statistical analysis, the only language he knows. The accomplished Bruce Bourquin brings the comedy to a head as Susan’s errant husband who suddenly reappears at the most unexpected moment.

Brian Gutherson and his set building team deserve the traditional applause. Under Margaret’s direction – backed by her hard-working assistant director, a third Mapletoft, Robert – the whole cast conveys the sense of genuine friendship which is the core of the play.

Backstage credits go to: Stage Manager Alan Portas assisted by John Young; Props Sue Young and Jean Bradshaw; Light and Sound Ross Carrick; Prompt Patricia Caligari.

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