Society delivers an above par performance

THE Phoenix Players, one of the region’s leading dramatic societies, faced possible cancellation of their January production when Nicky Ashdown, a key member of the cast, had an accident which broke bones in her foot and confined her to hospital in the week of the show.

Happily, Ann E Despres, an experienced member of the company, stepped into the role, and after only two walk-through rehearsals, script in hand, gave a sterling performance that won applause not only from the audience but from her fellow actors at an exuberant curtain call.

The play, ably directed by Daphne Breakspear, featured another crisis, the indisposition of a golf club captain on Captain’s Day.

Nicholas Gratton was brilliant as Simon, the club’s pompous secretary, who saw the situation as a chance of personal glory. Ms Despres was splendid as his wife Laura, who always took second place to golf.

Marlene Poole was the brisk, ex-military golf club member, whose every word was misconstrued by the dim wannabe air hostess Tiffany (Annabel Sly). Tiff and her boyfriend Nick (Raman Aggarwal) managed to cause mayhem. Alex Pitcher was the slightly bewildered Barry.

Misunderstandings on and off the course, and noxious hot snacks concocted by Tiffany on a practice putting green, all fuelled the confusion... and finally wrecked proceedings.

STELLA TAYLOR