THEATRE REVIEWS

You will wonder if you have seen this play before, but then it changes and you are transferred into the world of Alan Ayckbourn to be delighted with his story telling. This time the backdrop is A Garden Fete and you are about to be told the facts of life by the old Joe Hepplewick in his very basic rhyming couplets that seem to fit all situations.

What you are sure of is that the acting will be first rate, touching on brilliant, from the two people entrusted to tell this tale of life. Claudia Elmhirst and Bill Champion play so cleverly a variety of characters that you will find it hard to believe they are not played by other actors; yes there are only two talented players here. They are absolutely magnificent at their roles, and you can hear every word. A delight to watch.

So, should the plot be told, not likely. You will have to go to see this piece of theatre magic. All that can be said is that we have a headmaster of this lesser public school and his wife trying to run things as well as come to terms with themselves, but confronted by two mistakenly underrated people who have latent ambition. Just add the common day family philosopher and you have an evening to remember.

Tim Luscombe directs, with Alan Ayckbourn somewhere in the background, and, as has been said, gets it all right. Michael Holt's design gives the stage crew ample scope to show their skill under the direction of stage manager Emily Vickers.

It is worth travelling miles to experience a night of theatre performed in the round to the highest standards possible. Do not miss this play in the Intimate Exchanges sequence. Excellent. It is what theatre is all about. © BA

“A Garden Fete” is in repertory at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 15th June until the 19th September, 2006. This is a No Smoking theatre.