“BADLY timed and inappropriate sound effects, random lighting cues, disastrous set and props, fluffed lines, excessive prompts, ham-acting, inept crew, shockingly bad scene changes – all that is perceived as the worst aspects of the am-dram world......”

Fortunately, that was just the play within a play. SADS’s presentation of The Farndale Ladies’ Guild’s Production of ‘Macbeth’ was the exact opposite!

Lesley Preedy’s first-rate direction ensured wonderfully over-the-top characters, slick technical timing with lights, sound and special effects, a brilliantly brisk pace and an unexpected ‘treat’ or two!

There were no weak links in the fine cast, with Lynda Parker (‘Macbeth’), Brenda Lambert (Mrs Reece) and Anna Johnson (‘Banquo’) all putting in particularly strong performances. Lesley Wilson, Karen Garside and Caroline Powell were highly entertaining in their numerous roles, while Patric Howe (as drama adjudicator, Mr Peach) put in another show-stealing performance.

Terrific fun – recommended!