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Castle Players Village Hall Lytchett Matravers November 2002 
GIVEN that tha trivialities of the plot somewhat obscure Ayckbourn's message - in essence, 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus' - Frank Holden ably directed a strong cast in this pleasant comedy.Three couples in three appropriately different but simultaneous bedroom sets portrayed the trials which beset domestic partnerships. Middle-aged Earnest (Mike Satchell) and Delia (Val Holland) bickered believably tolerantly under their floral quilt. Nick (Paul Mole), confined to bed with a back pain, grunted and groaned under a trendy duvet while his nubile partner Jan (Katherine Holden) nipped off in a white suit to a party. Scatty Hosts Malcolm and Kate (Pete Griffiths and Rebecca Jacques) took refuge from their guests in a grotty bed sporting a tartan throw. 
The volatile Trevor (Alan Colclough) and his convincingly neurotic wife Susannah (Linsey O'Neill) peripatetically fought out (literally!) their marital problems in other peoples lives and bedrooms.Amusing gymnastics included Earnest's contortions trying to see the roof from the window, Malcolm's antics causing cramp and Nick's spectacular head-over-heels off the bed. Each character fitted each actor like a glove and the full house was happily impressed. An underlying message was perhaps expressed by Susannahs's "Who am I?" Margaret Franklin 
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily EchoThe Broadstone & Poole Community Magazine reviewer wrote: ALAN Ayckbourn's play 'Bedroom Farce' may spring to mind (for some of us!) visions of Brian Rix and knobbly kneed men, minus their pyjama bottoms, chasing scantily dressed women around the stage, along with lots of door slamming and over-acting. Thankfully, there is none of that in this hilarious modern-day farce which is set in three bedrooms and revolves around the relationships of four couples and how their lives are entangled in each other's. 
It was perfectly cast with old and new members of Castle Players, and Frank Holden expertly directed the performance, keeping the pacey dialogue flowing with slick lighting changes as the audience were taken from bedroom to bedroom.The cast clearly enjoyed their roles. Mike Satchell as Earnest and Val Holland as Delia were well suited as the married couple who, after a disappointing anniversary meal, return home for pilchards on toast - in bed - only to have their sleep disturbed by neurotic daughter in law Susannah, superbly played by Linsey O'Neill. Pete Griffiths a newcomer to Castle Players, had clearly 'found his character' as the 'could do better' Malcolm. However, whether this is down to natural acting ability is debatable as Pete (so the program claims) is already renowned for his poor DIY skills! Malcolm is married to Kate and they are holding a housewarming party. Kate was played by another newcomer to the Players, Rebecca Jacques, who gave a good, confident performance as Malcolm's DIY suffering wife despite having to appear on stage in little more than a bath towel. The director must be pleased with daughter Katherine Holden's acting debut as the feisty Jan, who is married to Nick played by Paul Mole. Nick and Jan had been invited to the housewarming party but as Nick is confined to bed with a bad back Jan decides to go alone. Paul gave a faultless performance throughout and his fall off the bed was perfectly executed and very funny. Alan Colclough was hilarious as Linsey's husband Trevor, and between them they wreak havoc throughout the three bedrooms resulting in a hectic night for all. With only minor blips along the way you'd be forgiven for thinking that this was a professional rather than an amateur production, and in fact was far better performed and directed than many professional plays I have seen. Kimberley Hillton Courtesy of the Broadstone & Poole Community Magazine Photographs of the cast - 1. Mike Satchell, Paul Mole, Val Holland, Katherine Holden, Peter Griffiths, Alan Colclough and Linsey O'Neill 2. Nick (Paul Mole) falls out of bed 3. Kate (Rebecca Jacques) examines Malcolm's (Peter Griffiths) DIY efforts |
