Over-the-top comedy needs interaction

Adapted from the play Cut by Robert Duncan, this is a spoof whodunnit murder romp where the jokes come thick and fast, and actors occasionally address the audience directly from the stage.

Consider that word ‘occasionally’ though, because if you overdo it you shatter the illusion of theatre where audience suspends disbelief for two hours to accept actors as the people they are playing.

Ronkey Bullard created a strong character as servant Mrs Whittle, but overdid it by speaking most of her lines out to the audience and not interacting with other actors.

Stephen Cook played Major Cochup convincingly, but was always moving backwards and forwards when he should have been standing still. Stan Dooley played Lord Henry skilfully but was too loud and frantic at times. He did very well in the second half though with a different part. He and Ed Forde linked up successfully as a double act, inspector and police sergeant. Their scenes were very funny and neatly executed.

There were good portrayals of a doctor by Roy Hutchings and a vicar, Julian Dickens. Natalie Stevenson and Nick Batten also created believable characters that didn’t break the stage illusion too often.

Natalie Riley was very good as Iva Partridge. She played it straight, but still managed to convey the sense of over-the-top comedy in a genuine character. And interact fully with her fellow actors.

So, to be clear as the politicians say, the acting and comic timing was really good throughout. Stage positioning was fine although less body movement on stage by some would have helped. Comedy routines and jokes were well performed by the entire cast. The uncredited set design was well constructed by members of the Kintbury Players.

The play was directed at a good pace by Julie Carlisle, with reservations considering the amount of direct to the audience participation. It’s a fine and delicate balance though and the play was enthusiastically played and received by a cheering audience.

DEREK ANSELL