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LAYING THE GHOST
KCA Players
Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams
Kinson
November 2004

PLAYWRIGHT Simon Williams knows a thing or two about the theatre – act actor himself, he is from a theatrical family – and this very funny comedy, set in a theatrical retirement home, is exceptionally well written with beautifully drawn characters. But when a prominent cast member was taken ill just a day or so before the production opened, it might have signalled imminent disaster. However, director Lonnie Watson stepped into the breach at the eleventh hour and not only coped with the role but managed to steal the show with her glorious portrayal of Freda Deacon, an eccentric retired actress who is in regular communication with the dead.
And the rest of the cast does her proud in this excellent production. Ann Coleman shows perfect timing as birthday girl Margot Buchanan – her one-line put-downs are a joy – while David Wickham is splendidly actorish as her ex-husband Leo Buchanan, although his ‘Welsh’ accent wavered somewhat.
Newcomer Fiona Sinclair makes a fine impression as young actress Sadie, Lyn Greene shows a good balance of imperiousness and pathos as Lady Buchanan and Joan Ogden bustles well as Mrs Kidd. And who could forget Jeremy Smith’s Superman kissogram? Best of all, every one of them is utterly believable down to their fingertips.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo


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