Review: Knock-out quality plays in Lighthorne festival

Now that the Lighthorne Festival is one year old it’s turning into a really bonny baby.

I was at Thursday’s presentations – which were a varied collection of three plays from local amateur theatre companies of knock-out quality.

First up was Parlour Hen Productions with a Jean McConnell ‘Deckchair’ play, Theatrical Digs, about two professional actresses, Pascaline Holbein (Anne Bowen) and Maggie Festoon (Juliet Grundy), beloved of Stratford-upon-Avon crowds since the year dot. There’s some glorious business with swapping phones, immaculate timing and savage one-liners delivered impeccably. I’ve seen Juliet Grundy before and thought exactly the same thing – there is a real actress.

Next was Armistice Theatre’s Mantrap by Paul Reakes. Well-heeled Trevor (Mike Tildesley) has his evening disturbed by the arrival of a hysterical Josie (Laura Jackson) running away from a murderous lorry driver. The twists and turns accomplished over ten minutes left you giddy. ‘Police’ investigating team of Blake and Talbot (Owen Prosser-Stock, Dan Blizzard) add to the confusion and only Trevor’s ‘heart attack’ saves the day.

Finally, Sudden Impulse presented Dario Fo’s One Was Nude and One Wore Tails. This was a treat from start to finish. Throughout the cast the consistency of first rate acting make it hard to find fault – so I won’t try. In particular the naked man in the bin (Phil Makin) was a treat to watch. suit.

For me this was the winning piece – but who won? Well – the latest news is that Sudden Impulse of Nuneaton were the deserving, overall winners! Well done to all concerned.

Jane Howard