Press Review
'Beyond A Joke' Press Review that appeared in the Surrey Advertiser on the 30th November 2012
Show a fitting tribute to set designer Brian
There was a full house for the run of the Players of Elstead Theatrical Society's latest performance Beyond A Joke
The company was shocked by the sudden death of set designer Brian Wilkins shortly before the production, but in true showbiz fashion the show went on, using the sets Mr. Wilkins had produced.
The cast of the Elstead village hall comedy was ably led by Sue Gower and Jos Johnston.
Sue was convincing as an exasperated wife and mother who had to deal with a grumpy husband and an absent minded sister-in-law, well played by Peggy Tilly.
Jos was well cast and managed the moving of the body with great comic timing.
Stacey Wills and Terry Gardiner as the daughter and prospective son-in-law gave very good performances, as did Anne and Peter Tull as the in-laws. Although a relatively small part, Peter Jewell played a wonderful vicar and was very convincing as a dead body.
The laughter was testament to Derek Benfield's tale of a gas meter reader, window cleaner, TV repair man and others who all met a sticky end at the main character's home.
It was an evening of entertainment of which Mr. Wilkins would have been proud.
Amy Taylor
'Beyond A Joke' Press Review that appeared in the Farnham Herald on the 30th November 2012
A show to be proud of
The Players of Elstead Theatrical Society (PETS) expressed their gratitude for the hearty support they received for their recent production. Beyond A Joke by Derek Benfield. It took place while they were feeling devastated by the sudden death of their set designer Brian Wilkins just before the production. But the company was determined and, in true dramatic fashion, the show had to go on.
This comedy was great entertainment as witnessed by the laughter from the audience, who obviously enjoyed the story of the luckless gas meter reader, window cleaner, TV repair man and others who all met a 'sticky end' when visiting Jane and Andrew's house in West Surrey. The new vicar was the latest to succumb. Was it accidental or was there a more sinister reason?
The cast was ably led by Sue Gower and Jos Johnston. Sue gave a convincing and thoughtful performance as an exasperated wife and mother, who not only had to deal with a grumpy husband but also an absent minded sister-in-law, well played by Peggy Tilly.
Jos Johnston was well cast and managed the 'moving of the body' with great comic timing.
Stacey Wills and Terry Gardiner as the daughter and prospective son-in-law gave very good performances, as did Anne and Peter Tull as the 'in-laws'. Although a relatively small part, Peter Jewell played a wonderful vicar and was very convincing as a dead body!
The director, Denise Cleaver, must be commended for the great use of stage space and wonderful pace which was achieved by this talented cast.
The play ended with the lines "They were all accidents weren't they?", "Well, what do you think?" which gave us all food for thought as we left the hall. One thing is sure we all enjoyed a wonderful evening's entertainment and Brian Wilkins would have been proud.
PETS will be starting rehearsals for the spring production after Christmas and is always looking for new mwmbers. (on and back stage). Anyone interested should visit www.elsteadtheatrical.co.uk or contact the chairwoman Sue Gowar on 01252 702127
Updates will also be advertised via Facebook so why not follow us: 