Synopsis
Programme
Impressions/Performances
This stage production brings recreates the popular TV sitcom in an all new story surrounding Britain's favourite social climber, Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced boo-kay!). Hyacinth is joined in this story by all the regulars - neighbours Liz and Emmett, frumpy sister Daisy, slovenly brother-in-law Onslow, and man-eater sister Rose. Even 'Daddy' makes an appearance, gas-mask and all. The only major absentee is hen-pecked husband Richard whose only 'appearances' are invisibly off-stage as the target of various shouted instructions. Sister Violet and son Sheridan, never actually seen on the TV series, also make appearances at the other end of comical conversations on the telephone. The scenario is an amateur dramatics production with the highly strung Emmet in unusually confident form as the in control director. But when Hyacinth muscles in and casts herself for what she thinks will be a plum role his resolve crumbles and he reverts to the pothering wreck of old, unable to stand up to her.
The only original cast member from the TV series is David Janson, the postman, but here playing a new character, wealthy computer geek Mr. Milson, the willing object of Rose's over-eager affections. But if the remainder of the cast are not the TV originals they do, for the most part, bear astonishing likenesses to their forbears - as well as in many instances being instantly recogniseable from other TV roles. Onslow, for example, is played by comedian Gareth Hale, Liz by 'Allo 'Allo's Kim Hartman (Helga), and Rose by the ultra delectable Debbie Arnold (Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Eastenders!).
Rachel Bell gave a great imitation of Patricia Routledge in the lead role as the overbearing, unthinkingly self-important, but oddly loveable Hyacinth - so loveable in fact that the moment when we first hear those instantly recogniseable dulcet tones calling from the back of the auditorium brings an immediate ripple of applause. The voice, walk and mannerisms were all spot-on - the only drawback being our distance from the stage robbing us of the full effect of those critical warped and pained expressions. Steven Pinder revels in the role of the jittery Emmet and Hartman is almost unrecogniseable as his equally nervous sister, Liz. Christine Moore is a likeable Daisy and Gareth Hale garners plenty of laughs as Onslow despite not fully getting to grips with the character - lacking the distinctive accent and the perpetually pained expression. Debbie Arnold, meanwhile, was, if anything, a little too alluring as the desperate vamp Rose.
Inevitably, it's not as funny as the TV original. Some of the finer nuances are missing, and the decision to leave out Richard except as an unseen and unheard off-stage 'extra' is a big mistake as it robs Hyacinth of the main foil for her unhinged excesses. But the whole thing flows nicely and, whilst it is true that the laughs are never of the gut-busting variety, there are enough quips, innuendos and visual gags to keep them coming in a constant stream that will keep you entertained to the end.
Verdict
A passable re-creation sure to please any devotees of the popular TV sitcom.
Don Gillan - www.stagebeauty.net