This review of the show appeared in Parish Pump in November 2023

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THREE VINTAGE RADIO PLAYS 

 

   Having just read a book in which the theatrical critic was stabbed to death in chapter 2, after writing a rather vitriolic review of a play, I was rather apprehensive when asked to write a review of Filkins Theatre’s ‘Three Vintage Radio Plays'! This is a format which FT has used before and has worked well but, faced with the start of half-term and England’s rugby semi-final, the audience was not as large as usual although that did not detract from the entertainment.

   A cast of eight started with an original Radio 4 production broadcast in 2011: “Clare in the Community” starred Julia Neame in the title role. Barry Heath, playing the gormless Brian who is about to be married to the social worker, Clare, plays the part well but is perhaps best remembered for leading the sound effects with great vigour. Who knew a book falling to the ground could make so much noise ?

   I particularly enjoyed Trish Poole’s authentic potteries accent playing Helen. The theme of mistaken identity, which runs through the evening, plays out as Simon, played by Paul Molyneaux, is revealed as the instigator of all the mayhem. Paul turns up in all three performances effectively adding to the general chaos. Brian and Clare tie the knot and all is well, … well ?

   Following a plentiful supper provided by Gill, Julia, Lynne, Michele, Sue, and Vicky, the ensemble presented “Crossed Lines” by Ian McChridart (a little problem for the anagram enthusiast). I must admit I missed the start while topping up the beer stocks (surprising how much a small audience can drink), but one soon catches up with these farces. Richard Martin and Sue Ashforth Smith play Sir Rumpus and Lady Havelock who both get the wrong end of the stick about each other’s love life. However, in spite of further mayhem all is finally resolved, I think!

   The final play, following some scrumptious puddings, “Forbidden Fire” was introduced by Sally Peach as being “specially adapted for Radio 4 and so contains sex scenes that some listeners may find strangely disappointing.”  While the play had a number of good lines it was probably the weakest of the three with, let’s face it, a slightly elderly cast not being entirely convincing with subject matter.

   So, in spite of three farces in the Brian Rix tradition, no-one lost their trousers for which we were all grateful! Stalwarts of Filkins Theatre, Sue-Ashforth Smith and Lynne Savege, were typically professional playing multifarious roles in all three performances. The evening was thoughtfully directed by Richard Martin who also designed the simple set and took on a range of roles in the three plays. After an enjoyable evening the audience left well fed and with a smile on their faces.

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Alan Heath