The Western Players
 

Midsummer Mirth

 

Shown : June 2003 Cast : Various Producers: Shirley Dodson, Sheila Clements, Tony Manders, Julia Edwards

4 one act plays in an evening provide an extremely enjoyable time for the audience.

"Curses, Foiled Again" by Evelyn Hood - the rehearsal for a Victorian melodrama are not going well. Lines have not been learnt, props are not in place, sound effects are missing and except for the writer/producer there is not much enthusiasm for the show. The undercurrents of liaisons between the cast members and the age old cry of "the show must go one" ensure that whatever the obstacles, they are hilariously overcome.

"Albert" by Richard Harris - a splendid example of what can happen when an Italian visitor, a Finnish aupair and a young Englishman meet and have no common language. Identities are mistaken, body language misunderstood, gestures are confused and the outcome unpredictable. Excellent fun!

"Plaster" by Richard Harris - an adulterous husband, bedridden after a car accident, is visited by his wife. How did the accident occur? What was he doing when it happened? Who was there? These are some of the questions that she wants answering. A lovely, comedic study of guilt and retribution.

"Gosforth's Fete" by Alan Ayckbourne - when arrangements start to go wrong at the local fete, it is a little unsettling for the committee, but when everything goes wrong it is a disaster! Nevertheless people are arriving: - the local dignitary, the wolf cub pack and the town band, except at the wrong times and in the wrong order. Add to that the torrential rain, thunder and lightning and a dodgy sound system and the results are "we're all destined to our fete!" Outrageously funny.