No 43 -- 1995 Edited by Michael Walters
I had read this play a number of years ago, but had not previously had an opportunity to see it and wondered if it would work on stage. Revived by this enterprising company it proved to work superbly. The author Cecil Clay, a much forgotten figure, was the brother of the composer Frederic Clay, who introduced Gilbert to Sullivan. This little piece thus falls within the gamut of quasi-G&S, and would make an excellent curtain-raiser for one of the shorter G&S operas. The play itself is a gem. Some pretty awful amateurs are putting on a pantomime to entertain the children, and social conventions and personal relationships keep getting in the way. The idea anticipated Michael Frayn's NOISES OFF by over 90 years, and is much more economically and succinctly written. The theatre is a cosy little one of about 80 seats. The companion piece, THE GARRICK FEVER, by J.R. Planche was not really in the same class, but the two plays had evidently been chosen because they both provided parts for 5 men and 3 ladies, so that each of the company of 8 players had a part in each play. THE GARRICK FEVER is set in an Irish provincial theatre in 1745. The famous actor David Garrick is to give a one-night stand, which sets the community is a whirl. But the man who turns up claiming to be Garrick turns out to be an imposter.
MICHAEL WALTERS
Web page created 26 July 1998