The Weekend, Lymington Players (From Daily Echo)

The Weekend, Lymington Players

11:44am Monday 14th November 2011 in Curtain Call By Anne Waggott

RELUCTANT to endure a family weekend, cynical Stephen seems determined to be cantankerous.

Faced with challenges provided by his daughter, her husband and his granddaughter (plus the uncontrollable dog), Stephen takes refuge in whisky and sarcasm. His wife’s dinner party is the final straw.

Michael Palin’s first stage-play is full of wry, black, observational domestic black humour, brought to life vividly by Jim Lockwood, excellent as the curmudgeonly husband.

At times understated and subtle (his drunken demeanour was never overt), his reactions and facial expressions were terrific.

Sue Cornwell provided very good support as his long-suffering wife, successfully negotiating the complex stage business as well as maintaining her character.

First-rate direction ensured clear, distinct characters, excellent comic timing, very natural and intricate action, fabulous use of the intimate stage, splendid scenery and wonderful array of props.

The scene changes were rather too long, but overall this was a very entertaining production.