Writen by Rex Frost
Directed by Marion Rogers
The Medstead Players' have now gone full circle with their production of 'Small Hotel'. It was the society' choice of play when they first trod the boards 21 years ago. Even some of the original cast had stepped back in time to take on their original roles. Stan Whitcher, Max Chitty, Kerry Prior and Pam Kercher are still going strong and came up trumps in their repeat performances.
The packed house was lulled into the 50's mood before the curtains opened with smoochie croonie songs from that era and actually stood for the National Anthem before the performance - for many an appreciated touch of tradition.
Dickie Smith 's and Graham Bennell's set depicting the olde worlde dining room at The Jolly Fiddler, a small hotel in the Midlands, was well constructed with plenty of attention to detail.
Like many of the 50s plays, especially the comedies, the plot of Small Hotel is uncomplicated but well written.
Albert, the head waiter of the Hotel is, in the opinion of the officious Jarman Hotel area supervisor, Mr Finch played by Max Chitty, well past his sell by date. Too old and slow for the new breed of customers. The easy-going manager, Alan Prior, is quite happy with the status quo, but he is over ruled by the 'management' and forced to take on Miss Caroline Mallet, a snooty snappy little madam. Anita Prior took this part in her stride. But old Albert, aided and abetted by the pretty young waitress Effie, ferocious cook Mrs Gammon and the hotel's only permanent resident, the large and formidable Mrs Samson-Box , conspires to ensure the his replacement does not outstay her welcome.
Director Marion Rogers, although claiming to be too young to remember 'Small Hotel' the first time around, did not miss out on the excellent casting opportunities that this play has to offer.
Stan Whitcher playing Albert for the second time gave a superb performance as the wily old waiter.
Sue Ovell dominated the stage as the grandiose Mrs Samson-Box and Pam Kercher playing the cantankerous cook for the second time in her career, positively steamed in and out of her kitchen with arms akimbo.
All the backstage crew did a great job to ensure this production moved along on well oiled wheels. But special credit must go to Kath Whitcher who as props lady had the unenviable job of making sure not a spoon or dish was out of place.
[Suzanne and Peter Cansfield]
Cast:
Spencer Crouch - Mike Overy
Gladys Spiller - Ann Bassil
Mr. Barrington - Arthur Grimmer
Alan Pryor - Roger Steel
Albert - Stan Whitcher
Sheila Pryor - Sue Millett
Mr Finch - Max Chitty
Mrs. Samson-Box - Sue Ovell
Effie Rigler - Kerry Prior
Mrs. Gammon - Pam Kercher
Caroline Mallett - Anita Prior
Customers: David & Lesley Rae
