THE EVENING’S curtain-raiser is a short play, The Has-Beens, by local author Ken Thorpe. Although well-performed, it proved no more than a gentle but inconsequential dialogue that created little impact.

Nudes In Waning Light is a different kettle of fish entirely, a delightful comedy about one man’s bid for freedom during his wife’s holiday, thwarted when she returns unexpectedly. Clifford Page’s direction keeps the pace bubbling along and his cast do him proud, not least Ann Cave as the domineering wife and Reg Beckley as her husband. Rachel Mason also deserves plaudits for taking on a second role at the eleventh hour, ending up playing a young village girl AND her mother.

Sandcastles On The Beach is the Club’s festival entry this year, and if there is any justice it should be a winner every time. Directed by the excellent Jack Snell, this drama/black comedy is superbly performed by June Cutner, Don Gent, David Weeks and Michelle Newton, all of whom draw out both the humour and poignancy of the situation. My one small criticism is that lines are occasionally lost through audience laughter, and if that can be resolved this thought-provoking piece will be even more outstanding.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Evening Echo