A hazardous pursuit!
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from June 1985.
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Firstly, the qualifications of the reviewer, myself included, are frequently questionable and, secondly, there is the problem of the standard against which one measures the local effort.
I concluded that the only material consideration was whether I had an enjoyable and worthwhile evening and whether I would recommend attendance to friends.
Based on this criteria I unequivocally urge you to attend the current production of Alan Ackybourn's highly amusing comedy, Table Manners, being staged by the Cayman Drama Society at the Harquail Cultural Centre on Wednesday through Saturday of this week, June 26 to June 29.
The play takes place over a weekend and is set in the dining room of "mother's" somewhat rundown English country house.
A piece of information essential for the enjoyment of the play which may not be readily to hand of those non 'Brits' in the audience is that East Grinstead (as far as is known by a Yorkshireman who has never visited the place!) is a somewhat less than desirable suburb of London and is certainly not the place one would choose for a romantic weekend away from it all. Much of the humour of the play derives from the interactions of Alan Ackybourn's delightful characters which the audience can easily recognise and associate with.
Marilyn Osborn plays an excellent part as Ruth, the meticulous mother and housewife. Her desire to ensure that everything is just perfect makes the lives of most with whom she comes into contact a misery.
Deborah Walker does a creditable job as Annie, the spinster sister whose life, apart from the occasional visit by Tom the vet to discuss whether the kitchen ceiling needs another coat of paint, revolves around caring for her bedridden mother. This is Deborah's acting debut and it is a tough assignment for an attractive young lady from Seattle to play a dowdy English old maid.
John Kitson makes his Cayman stage debut as Tom the vet. John has had considerable acting experience in England and maintains the image of "a total drip" well throughout the entire play.
Colin Wilson's embellient portrayal of Reg, Sarah's husband, is interestings.
There are periods of total domination by his wife and periods of amusing escape, particularly with sister Annie, to reminisce about the good old days; but one also has the feeling that Sarah is sailing close to the wind and the henpecked Reg could turn at any moment.
Pat Stapely as sister-in-law, Ruth, portrays a woman immersed in her career, who is bored and uninterested with family problems and politics. Her absence would not be mourned by the other members of the family, but her presence during the weekend was demanded by Sarah in an effort to keep errant husband, Norman, in line. Graham Cork is highly amusing as that errant husband, a man who has come to terms with life and who intends to exact as much enjoyment from his term on this earth as the duties of an assistant librarian and the financial constraints imposed by his wife will permit. Much credit must go to Director, Tony Osborn, for bringing out Alan Ackybourn's, at times, subtle humour and for directing a lively and interesting play from a script which could require little movement from the characters. Nigel Proctor has produced a simple, but interesting set, and a special mention must certainly be made of the hard working "props ladies" for coping with a prodigious task in a meticulous manner.
The verdict? Altogether a most enjoyable evening. Another demonstration of the wealth of talent available on and off the Cayman stage. Do see the final performances. JP
