ACT Reviews 2022-2023 Season

delivery and action that at times did interrupt the flow. I am sure that as the week progressed this did improve. However, both plays did provide light hearted entertainment that we, the audience, did laugh out loud at. Ayckbourn used observational humour to play out both scenarios. The interaction between the characters was good and in particular the creation of friendship between would be philanderer Alex Clark as Teddy and his naïve neighbour Reggie played by Ian M Butterfield was strong. I particularly enjoyed the transformation of Lottie, played by Alison Gould, into the would be siren Chloe, aided by Helen Tyler as her friend and confidant Penny in the first play. Helen gave her character an assertive attitude that had no filters but delivered her comments with sincerity and a smile. Alison, showed us a woman who projected a character that has always been underrated but has an inner strength that is resilient when faced with an upset to her normal, safe and mundane life. Ian, as the loving and well-meaning husband of Penny, had a good sense of comedic timing. His delivery was neutral and deadpan as he tried to help his friends. This did help with the fun and delivery of the dialogue. Alex, really tried to bring out the childish humour of his character, which was a person not fully in control of his life and actions and especially the repercussions of them. The set, designed by Alan Reidsma, was engaging and showed two similar gardens as neighbours would have. Between the first and second plays there were subtle changes of plants and positions of pots and flowers as well as the garden furniture to signify a change of space. At times the director had three of the actors congregate around the decking area which felt a little crowded, considering the stage space available. The wardrobe used by the actors was ideal and summery. The outfit for Lottie’s transformation into Chloe was very effective and the underpants worn by Teddy were a hoot and had many of the audience laugh loudly,