Pictures: Pamela Raith    

Christmas Present and Correct

Lichfield Garrick Studio

****

The Garrick’s traditional offering of an alternative to the mayhem of the Pantomime next door is served up well in this busy, clever piece of fast moving farce brought by The New Old Friends Theatre Company

Feargus Woods Dunlop’s writing is packed to the brim with all the ingredients you would expect from the genre - multi role characters, prat falls, crossed purpose conversations, mistaken identities, frenetic physical acting and split-second timing. Good farce, as this is, is a delightful assault on the senses but get the timing wrong, and the tumbleweed takes centre stage.

Whilst many farces might involve the whole cast taking on different roles, this shifts the focus on to just one actor becoming several characters in an effort to convince others he is more than he seems. It’s a huge task for Stuart Tavendale, moving seamlessly between a range of very different characters and always onstage in sight while he does it. The audience are in on the deception, whilst other actors are oblivious to it. A clever twist which is beautifully played out. Tavendale not only jumps vocally from each role, but also gets the physicality right each time.

Kirsty Cox takes exasperation to a new level as Dorothy Richards, the Radio Drama Producer trying to keep it all together, not helped by self-loving actors and unexpected visitors. It being a recording studio, the odd intervention of intended and non-intended sound effects add nicely to the unfolding chaos.

A clever sound design by Joseph Harris gives a strong sense of location, particularly effective when characters are heard with slight distortion in the recording booth, then naturally when they are outside it.  

Rosie Coles fizzes as Saffron Smith (and others ?), an apparently aspiring actress who would love to be hired for the radio show. Her cut glass delivery combines well with her extended range of facial expressions that cover everything from utter bewilderment to mild flirtation.

A hard working and busy cast is completed by Mark Collier as Wyllis Guthrie - another performance matching vocal dexterity with physical comedy.

Heather Westwell’s set is cleverly designed to show the inside and outside of a recording studio complete with assorted knobs and gadgets to embellish the look and feel. Action takes place in and out of the booth in real time - there’s even a clock on the wall to mark it.

Pace, as in all good farces, is crucial and it’s spot on here. As the interweaving of plot unfolds, the pace quickens. With characters established, the focus settles on quick fire interactions and relationships. There is even a nod to panto when a local area has the Mickey taken. I couldn’t possibly say which . . . OK I will . . . sorry Rugeley.

Some great one liners too. A joke about the disappearance of the name Lance was a cracker.

Engaging, pacy and wonderfully constructed. A festive farce you really shouldn’t miss.

Tom Roberts

11-12-24  

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