Going to the theatre should be a magical experience from the time you approach the theatre, go through reception and into the auditorium, but this was not so at the Stephen Joseph on this occasion. Unhelpful, unthinking programme staff seemed intent on confrontation and used “Have a nice evening” as a form of sarcasm. This set the tone for the evening. Impressions are born of events and fade to leave the overall the recollection of what took place. You get magic if all goes well, but if not... However, light relief was brought about when a member of the audience sat on their seat and it collapsed, causing a ripple of amusement, but consternation for the person concerned, all this a prelude to the mood needed for the black comedy that was to come.

Tim Firth’s play was about the newly moneyed people of Cheshire’s expectations, when they moved to the country and took on the locals. Alan Ayckbourn’s direction brought out the best from this play and at times gave the impression it was his own play. A sluggish start to the script soon gave way to smooth dialogue despite the foul language throughout. Daniel (Daniel Casey) and Adam (Daniel Crowder) had inherited a farm house and land from their loser of a father and are trying to make ends meet by selling the family furniture and doing odd jobs for people. They come in contact with the newly moved in townies Esther (Christen Moore) and Lol (John Branwell) and their daughter Bridget (Amanda Abbington) who appear to part with their money very easily. Inga (Helen Ryan), a local antique dealer has sold them a table which she says is an original “Butty Ball” table. The play centres round this table from then on bringing laughs and sadness. The acting is first rate as the characters draw every bit of comedy from the script — even reacting to remarks from the audience.

The audience reacted to the jokes throughout the play and were ready to applaud at the the end. This is a play that will grow on you as it proceeds to tell you its underlying message. © BA

“The Safari Party” is in at the Round in Scarborough from the 25th of April until the 18th of May, 2002.