Satisfying revue from Players

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32777, 30 November 1971, Page 16

Satisfying revue from Players

“A Sort of a Thing,” compiled and produced by Taura Henderson and Brian Cooper. Rlccarton Players. November 27 to December 4. Nelson Street Hall. Running time: 8 p.m. to 10.10 pan.

Good pace and a convivial atmosphere prove an effective combination at Riccartbn with a show which, within obvious limitations, is most successful in that it holds its audience throughout—which is all that it aims to do. The standard of performance varies considerably but the whole thing is presented in such an unpretentious manner that occasional weaknesses are quickly forgotten. Continuity is well served by Brian Cooper acting as master of ceremonies and by the use of numerous “quick, ies,” very short sketches with a single (and not always reliable) laugh; Doug Clarke’s style, with heavy pointing, was the best in these and deserves to be emulated.

The programme begins with a Western melodrama which would profit by a crisper and more exaggerated performance style; as it is, though, it certainly estab-

lishes the right mood, and is marked by at least one good performance from Barry Smith as the villian. However, the best performance in the first half comes from Peter Sadler in “I say, I say, I say!!!!” and "Mae West,” in which he competently handies a transvestite singing role. The best theatre in the evening comes straight after the interval in “Henry VIII and His Wives,” a piece probably inspired by the recent television series. Max Bollinger looks good as the king and sings with appropriate energy and regret; he is supported by good performances by the wives, commendable costuming, and a well co-or-dinated script. The melodrama in the second half has a genuinely Victorian flavour, and is helped by good acting from Sylvia Hutcheson as the heroine; it is sung throughout, and has a distinct element of period style. The programme concludes with folk singing, including two good items from Janet Jamieson.

As a whole, this is a show which is obviously geared to satisfy average tastes in relaxing entertainment, and as such it compares favourably with American television personality shows; it has the additional advantages of topicality (the Commonwealth Games theme is recurrent), and intimate presentation. —H.D.McN.