REVIEW: Visiting Hour by Richard Harris

The Littleton Players

Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall, Winchester

The theme tune to BBC Casualty heralded the first of five observations of hospital life as patients, staff and visitors alike told their stories.

Plaster, the first, revealed the affair of Eric (David Carshaw) and his wife Helen, revelling in emptying a home-made trifle over his head.

A warmly interpreted monologue followed with Mike Humphries indicating his Waiting, the first set then finishing with Showbusiness, a swipe at television dramas exploiting the vulnerably ill.

Daphne Poupart took the acting honours, playing Helen, Cheryl and May with individual distinction, adding poignancy and depth just when needed especially in the fourth, Going Home's Cheryl.

Magic saw Paul Cunningham deftly portraying the annoying Ron and Claire Poupart's dexterous telephone use. Director Bob Dixon applied the limited facilities at his disposal well, creating a diverse evening of entertainment.

DAVID PUTLEY