Outside Edge

Oxfordshire Drama Network

ODN Review

I looked forward to my evening watching Farringdon Dramatic Society perform Outside Edge by Richard Harris and I was not disappointed.

I would have liked a little 'cricket, lovely cricket' calypso as the curtains opened - we had it at the end so perhaps I missed it at the opening.

It is a one set play and so designer Jo Webster and her nine strong team gave the play a wonderful backdrop. Two thirds of the depth of the stage was inside the Pavilion, where Mim served her legendary teas, and the remaining third, at the front, was the exterior where the glamorous Ginnie sunbathed and pretended to be interested in the cricket.

Mim, well played by Joan Lee, is the fussy, fastidious, loyal wife of the Captain of the local cricket team, Roger. She is never without her apron and 'marigolds'.

Simon Wisbey, as Captain Roger, resplendent in baggy shorts and socks with his sandals, is frantically trying to get a team together. I thought perhaps he could have been even more panicky than he was but he gave a sound performance.

Bob (Gary Field), at first looked a little under-dressed for a ladies man, he seemed much more confident in his whites. Bob is married to Ginnie (Debbie Lock) who is very well cast as his second wife - poised, languorous and beautifully manicured.

Dennis (Adrian Wells) so proud of his new BMW until his wife sets fire to it, tries to curry favour by boasting of his non-existent deals.

In come newly-weds Maggie, beautifully played by Sarah Varnom, and the apprehensive Kevin , Dave Headey. Maggie, twice his size, enveloped in a big fur coat, insisted on kissing and cuddling him - indeed smothering him at every opportunity. The scene when she picked him up in a cuddle and spun round with him was hilarious. Her accent was perfect - she lit up the stage although she didn't know a lot about cricket! When her husband hurt his finger she said 'Well can't you bowl with the other one?' A very believable couple.

Richard Lock played Alex, the smart lawyer, with total conviction as a male chauvinist bringing a naive young girl, Sharon, to show off to.

Sharon was innocently played by Harriet Williams, ill at ease with the middle-aged players and their wives and bored stiff with the cricket. Well cast and well played.

Everyone seemed to be disappearing into the dark when they went through the ribbon curtain and the door - I would have liked the areas to be lit. Otherwise the lighting, by Ian Chandler, was just right for a sunny day ending overcast with thunder and lightning.

It was obvious that the audience enjoyed the performance as much as I did, Director, Carolyn Taylor, ensured that her cast made the most of Richard Harris' funny, touching script.

I am sure that when FDS take this play to Ontario in May the Canadian audiences will be 'bowled over' by the humour and fun.

Deidre Jones May 08