A treat of a farce

Those of us who remember Brian Rix and the Whitehall Theatre he made his own, were wafted back to an era that has somehow become lost in this modern day of instant gratification and digital response.

Those too young to remember were awakened to a great British tradition.

It was recreated in all its superfluous hilarity, in Sedlescombe Village Hall last week, along with a bonus of splendid food and a bar that was almost giving the beer away. After Act 1, I enjoyed the quiche and salad dressing, but not as much as the neighbour undressing, a treat at this point yet to arrive.

I, along with all the red-blooded men in the audience would go on to wish we had at least auditioned for the Ambassador’s role!

These things don’t just happen. Praise indeed seems little reward for the serving girls, technical and back room support.

What about the players you say. I would mention them all by name but this would appear trite.

From the acrobatics of the Captain to the dead-pan of the butler and all in between, it was traditional farce at its best – you didn’t need to look at the audience to see if they were enjoying themselves – you could tell from the belly laughs filling the auditorium!

All of this and much much more, under the superb direction of Tara Buchanan.

Charles Dawson

l A read-through for the Sedlescombe Players next show, the new thriller Guilty Secret, will take place on Monday (July 9). Visit www.sedlescombeplayers.co.uk for more information.