The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of a Christmas Carol

‘The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of a Christmas Carol’ is the eighth in a series of eleven British comedies from writers David McGillivray & Walter Zerlin Jnr. The play is being presented by Melville Theatre Company, at The Melville Theatre on the corner of Stock Road and Canning Highway in Palmyra until 12^th Dec. Performances at 8.00 pm

         As you arrive at the theatre you are warmly greeted by a sophisticated lady, Mrs Phoebe Reece (Joan Scafe), who is very concerned that her troupe of actors have not arrived and the performance is due to begin any second.

         When the audience is seated, and the ensemble has still not appeared, Mrs Reece tries to get volunteers from the audience. The stage manager, Gordon Pugh (Martin Lindsay) is now at his wits end with the ladies group and their lack of efficiency. The doors crash and three of the cast stagger in.

         Felicity (Tarryn Bullock) is a delicate soul, but is keen and willing to help. Then there is Mercedes (Kylie Calwell) a sick girl, wearing a neck brace, who hasn’t the physical ability to carry out any part with substance.

        Speaking with a rich dramatic voice is the prima donna, the self designated ‘star’ of the show, Thelma (Val Riches) sweeps onto the stage, however Mrs Reece and her do not see eye to eye and so spend much of the play-within-the-play bitching at each other.

The director, Jodie Hansen, has done a wonderful job. The pace keeps moving, the delivery is very good and the actors communicate well. The lighting and sound are above average, the costumes delightful – so why did I consider leaving the theatre at the interval? Because I found the script tedious and unfunny.

I was told by a friend – who later starred in the show – to lighten up and enjoy it. Because the play’s crew and cast were doing a first class job I returned. The second half was certainly funnier, but I found the constant bickering and the total ineptitude frustrating. The scripted errors, confusion and blunders grated. ‘The Office’ is a very popular TV programme, but similarly I feel like cringing each time it is on.

Great team work. A few audience members laughed all the way through, I squirmed. Sorry but some win some lose.