Download Group: Loddon Players Show: Tiptoe Through the Tombstones

Group: Loddon Players
Show: Tiptoe Through the Tombstones
Venue: Sherfield-On-Loddon Village Hall
Date: Thursday 26th November 2015
Director: Chris Horton & Maggie Browne
Tiptoe Through the Tombstones is a sequel to A Tomb With a View although it can be
fully appreciated without having seen the first one. The playwright, Norman Robbins, had
very kindly agreed to attend the production and was warmly welcomed as he took a bow.
The play in 2 acts takes place in the library of Monument House the home of the Tomb
family. Mortimer Crayle, the crusty old lawyer, and his secretary Zoe, have gathered the
last remaining Tomb family ostensibly to inform them about their inheritance. But Crayle
plans to deny the family their inheritance by “bumping them off” one by one. With poison
in every decanter and mysterious disappearances into secret passageways, host and
guests alike join the increasing number of bodies in the cellar. The play progresses with
more and more mystery deaths with several twists and turns until……
Front of House: The front of house team warmly welcomed the patrons and the displays
are fascinating but require some time to appreciate fully.
Theatre Ambience: The hall was laid out in theatre style with plenty of room between
rows however a centre aisle would have made access a little easier for those in the
centre.
The Programme: The A5 programme is well constructed and contains all the relevant
information. The NODA information has a prominent position however the ue of both the
NODA crest and the NODA logo is not required. One or the other would be preferable.
Delightful to see reference to other NODA societies in the area complete with a link to the
NODA website.
Scenery/Set/Properties: One of the benefits of this show is the action takes place in
the library throughout. The set and set dressing were most appropriate and the vital
portrait of the ancestor did its magic trick very well.
Make-Up & Costumes: The play was set in the modern day but everything was correct
for the action.
Lighting & Sound Effects: The lighting and the sound effects, both on and off stage,
were most effective.
The Production: It was a privilege to join the Loddon Players for their 10th anniversary
production. The evening proved to be of a very high standard and the appreciation shown
by the audience supported this.
Each and every member of the cast is to be
congratulated on their contribution to the whole. Not a weak link they all conspired to
entertain the audience with well-timed looks, gestures and exits. The play never lost its
momentum and kept the audience constantly thinking of how it would end!
Many of the original members participated in one way or another in this production and
the teamwork displayed by this society is exemplary.
There has always been
encouragement for new members both on and off stage which contributes to the vibrancy
of the group. This production was a great credit to all those involved – a thoroughly
entertaining evening.
A short review will appear in due course on the NODA website.
Kay Rowan - NODA SE Councillor