Written By
Guy Paxton and Edward V. Hoile
Where and When
29th November – 1st December 1962 @ Church House, Wimborne
The Plot
A theatre producer and an actor try and have a quiet week in a country cottage. Their efforts are thwarted by the arrival of a variety of wives, girlfriends and scoutmasters!
Cast
- Molly – Patricia Wood
- Charles Pentwick – Arthur Brooks
- Bobby Bentley – John Anthony
- Mr Mole – Sam Fawcett
- Fritzy Villiers – Rita Stuckley
- Dick Pentwick – Russ Guillaume
- Mrs Charles Pentwick – Elizabeth Anthony
- Mrs Harris – Stella Tory
Creative Team
- Producers – Anthony Alison and Muriel Brooks
- Stage Manager – Clifford Cowling
- Scenic Artist – Muriel Brooks
- Property Mistress – Jenni Meek
- Prompt – Marcelle Allison
- Make up – Douglas Treharne
- Effects – Tim Eling
- House Manager – Edmund Henbest
- Business Manager – John Anthony
Gallery
Reviews
Farce Favoured Here
It is an undisputed fact that farce is the major amateur entertainment in Wimborne. But why? I think part of the answer came from Wimborne Drama club’s production of Love’s A Luxury. The show, from the middle of the first act to the middle of the last provided a closely linked series of laughs which the audience enjoyed enthusiastically. For an amateur play it was very successfully performed.
At times however the show lacked pace and the whole effect became limp instead of crisp. This was most noticable in the first act and during the winding up section. Humour depends on timing, with slick dialogue. And this production was a success for joint producers Mr Anthony Allison and Mrs Muriel Brooks.
Taking the largest part was Arthur Brooks, who worked hard for the plays success, and he was well supported by John Anthony. Patricia Wood has improved a great deal since her last performance with the club, and she is now a competent actress. Making her first appearance for the club, Rita Stuckey gave a lively display and so did Mr Guillaume, who is becoming a polished actor.
Elizabeth Anthony handled her part with ease, while Stella Tory, in her brief appearance, gave a neat controlled show. Unfortunate were the dropped lines and misssed cues. The one or two lengthy pauses spoiled the rhythm but not the enjoyment.
Mr John Chalmers provided musical interludes. In charge of production were: Stage manager, Mr Clifford Cowling; scenic artist, Muriel Brooks; property mistress, Miss Jenni Meek; prompter, Mrs Marcelle Allison; make-up, Mr Douglas Treharne; effects Mr Tim Eling; house manager, Mr Edmund Henbest; business manager, Mr John Anthony.
Wimborne drama club return to comedy
After a brief excursion several months ago into realms of ghostly gloom, Wimborne Drama Club returned at the week-end to the light and laughter of farce with a presentation of Love’s A Luxury and the big audience present at Thursday’s performance obviously enjoyed the romp. The popular play by Guy Paxton and Edward V. Hoile centres on a theatrical impressario who seeks solace for a broken heart in the solitude of a country cottage – only to find himself caught up in a whirlwind of complications.
Arthur Brooks gave a convincing performance as the impressario Charles Pentwick; and John Anthony revelled in the part of Mr Pentwick’s leading comedian Bobby Bentley – his female impersonation proving a riot. Patricia Wood was a sheer delight as the maid, Molly; and Sam Fawcett’s Mr Mole was the cue for laughter at his every entrance and applause at each exit. Elizabeth Anthony was perfectly in character as Mrs Charles Pentwick.
Russ Guillaume gave brilliant support as Pentwick’s son, Dick; Rita Stuckey was glamourously seductive as Fritzy Villiers; and Stella Tory made a big impression in her brief appearance as the elusive Mrs Harris. Production was by Anthony Allison and Muriel Brooks.
Apart from the acting this production was notable for an exceptionally attractive setting, with backcloth and doors painted by Muriel Brooks. The set was constructed by Clifford Cowling, who stage managed; and the effective lighting was supervised by Dennis Curran. Douglas Treharne was make up artist; Marcelle Allison prompted ; Tim Eling was responsible for effects; and Jenni Meek was property mistress. Edmund Henbest organized house arrangements and ladies of the club served refreshements.
Organ interludes by John Chalmers made a welcome change from the loud speaker music which so often accompanies stage shows.
Programme
