Written by the Simon Williams, by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
Directed by Lesley Rae

This fast moving comedy is set in Yew Tree House, a retirement home for a group of eccentric, charming and 'growing old outrageously' theatricals. The plot revolves around an ex-actress, Margot Buchanan, who does not want to be reminded that it is her birthday. Unfortunately for her, most of the residents around her are keen on celebrating it. Especially her psychic friend Freda, who is in touch with ghosts while endeavouring to finish her jigsaw puzzle of The Full Monty! Added to Margot's great displeasure, she receives three birthday visitors: her ex-husband Sir Leo Buchanan a well known actor and philanderer, his second wife and his current mistress.

The title 'Laying the Ghost' gives no clue as to whether we were going to see a thriller or a comedy - well, it turned out to be the latter, Medstead Players putting on a superb play once again.

Comedy started right at the beginning, when on came Sue Ovell cleverly dressed and made up to look like a doll, accompanied by an invisible friend. She continued to fascinate us with her command of the whole situation, and her hilarious facial expressions. Must have been some retirement home to house her and her friend, but of course, it was a home for ageing actors - 'nuff said!

The plot was good, the play written by Simon Williams, and directed powerfully by Lesley Rae was basically a simple story of an unscrupulous man, Sir Leo played by David Rae, trying to justify and escape from the story of his affairs brought out by the newspapers and by his furious wives and girlfriend. However, simple it was not, as lies and fury were bandied about, helped along by the ghost buster Freda (Sue Ovell), with her ability to see what others could not. The death of Sir Leo by a heart attack was unexpected, but we shouldn't have been surprised at the next death, when he was wandering about in his ghostly attire, and his first wife Margot (Carol Bedingfield), appeared, also as a spirit. Then all sorted itself out of course, the two ghosts ending up as happy as they had been in first love, if not happier in the right spirit!

On the first night, some prompting was required - no wonder though, what a lot of words the cast had to learn. Nicki Tindale as Sadie Croft, refreshingly young, could have done with a bit more viciousness towards her wicked lover, but well done.

Excellent performances by all, including Jude Runalls as Mrs Kidd, Jane Dale as Lady Buchanan and a hilarious brief appearance by Stuart Laidlaw as a 'Superman Kissogram', plus the usual superb set and lighting. Congratulations to all the cast, the backstage crew, and the front of house. The audience was really rewarding, guffaws and giggles galore. It is always a pleasure to go into Medstead Village Hall and be greeted by all these hardworking, efficient and charming people who provide the warm atmosphere.
[Jean Gebbett]