Film & Theatre, Reviews | Posted on March 12th, 2026 | return to news

Outside Edge

Ferndown Drama, Barrington Theatre

Review by Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Some audience members have had to wait for nine years to see this production by Ferndown Drama, as this company first staged the play in 2017, but it was sadly cancelled two nights in when the Barrington closed its doors following technical issues.

However, it is well worth the wait.

Written by Richard Harris, the play tells the story of a village cricket team trying to win a game whilst sorting out their various marital problems.

This play is so well rehearsed that you know from the word go that the accomplished actors are not going to need any prompting. Slick, with quick-fire repartee, the interaction between the nine actors is seamless.

Jeremy Mills is suitably autocratic as the team captain, Roger, who revels in being the leader, teaming well with Kristy Dixon as Miriam, his put-upon wife.

You would have to go a long way to compete with the performances from Dawn Hollington as the sex-mad, overbearing wife Maggie, who smothers her diminutive husband Kevin (Peter Giddings) with love. This is a masterclass in comedy timing.

As Bob, a man with more on his mind than cricket, Rob Reynolds’ performance is well rounded as he goes from frantic to drunk.

Another very accomplished local actor is Estelle Hughes, who plays Bob’s wife Ginnie with pizzazz. She is an actress who knows that a facial expression can say a hundred words.

George Findlay is excellent as Dennis, who fancies himself as a ladies’ man, with Scott Bedwell suitably arrogant as Alex. Susy Davies clearly has fun portraying the dim-witted Sharon, with voice and facial expressions to match her character.

Director Steve Hawker should be congratulated on this very entertaining production.

It runs until Saturday, so try to get a ticket from https://www.ticketssource.co.uk/ferndown-drama or 0333 666 3366.