Reviews
I have singled out Tony Feltham for praise in the past, and I'm going to again. He certainly stole the show at Wimborne Drama's production at The Tivoli Theatre last week, playing undergraduate Lord Fancourt Babberley, who is persuaded much against his better judgement, to portray Charley's Aunt. The farce, which has been produced on radio and TV and made into at least ten films, is simply a good play that needs spilt second timing
Enter Jeremy Austin, as Stephen Spettigue, a solicitor keen to win the wealthy hand of widow Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez, and unperturbed by the less than feminine imposter in the guise of Charley's Aunt. A stalwart of Wimborne Drama, this was one of Jeremy's best performances and his timing was impeccable, as he sashayed on and off the impressive sets.
Dave Williams gave a strong performance as Colonel Sir Francis Chesney, who secures the affections of the real widow from Brazil. Paul Hewitt as Jack Chesney and Richard Neal as Charles Whykeham, gave good portrayals as the lovelorn undergrads, but I felt that they could have pushed the frontiers of over the top acting still further.
Chris Brown, Jan Singfield, Clare Downs, Helen Martland and Vicki Ballerd took the other main parts, with three other members of the company - unnamed in the cast list - putting on two entertaining dancing displays.
The audience - and it was a very good house - clearly enjoyed the show, which produced an evening of good entertainment. The only mutterings I heard, related to the projection of one or two female voices.
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