feature Never Too late
Another sparkling production from MADS, with a unique brand of performance, half cabaret half play they brought us Meldreth’s own Holiday Inn! Faced with the closure of their residential home after a gale topples the chimney stack into the living room and the insurance has lapsed the residents, an elite group of retired performers from stage and screen take matters into their own hands, staging a Palladium gala night to pay for the repairs. Written, produced and directed by Wendy Braid who also turned in a great performance as aging star Delores. She attempts to woo herself a toy boy, comic compere Johnny, played by Paul Sleight, whose joke a minute style moves the show on very effectively between scenes
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and turns. Lovely singing from The Honeys played by Mandy Handscombe and Ann Rogers whose sisterly feud breaks out behind the scenes; and great songs from Kirsty Bradbrook and Trudy Stanford too. Aging Crooner Gorgeous George played by Ian Baker presented us with a raunchy rendition of ‘Faith’ and the cleaning ladies played by Wendy Braid and Donna Sleight (who also doubled up as the stylish Babs, wife of the philandering Johnny) had everyone in stitches as they attempted to mimic Fanny the Star of burlesque. James and Lesley Spratt, as theatrical agents turned residential home managers, kept the whole affair nicely grounded in their roles as Rodney and Connie. A special mention has to go to Tessa Howell, as Tina the cook she brought us a hilarious monologue, a rarely seen art form these days but very effectively employed here. Of course no proper home for retired performers would be complete without a drag queen and Keith Wallace’s over the top performance as Sheila Blige was side splitting. Overall though the star of the show for me had to be Jimmy Cooper wonderfully played by Bryan Higgins, his portrayal of a washed up illusionist and knife thrower lost to drink and gambling after his knife throwing act had gone tragically wrong, was touching whilst his own brand of dry humour was hilarious. Ably supported by daughter Mini Cooper played by Sharon French. A skilfully constructed evening’s entertainment inspired by some of the best classic comedy routines and well performed. I cannot wait for Christmas when The Flintstones will be saving Christmas - with a little help from MADS of course, coming December 5th 6th & 7th. Sarah Ayrgael McDonald, Tavern Gallery Writers Group, Meldreth.
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