Review by Marilyn Barber

With a production of four excellent one act plays and fish and chips in the interval – what is there not to like?

I have been attending this company’s start to the autumn season for many years, and this is by far the best ever. This is the chance for new members to try out acting and directing and the two new directors and eight new actors more than rise to the challenge.

First off is A Small Family Murder – directed by Paul Senitt – in which three of the players have to each hold the stage on their own for 15 minutes – no mean feat. Newcomer Kurt MacLeod shows huge promise for the future as Gavin, with Lesley James, Andrew Murton and Chris Kemp completing the excellent cast in this play in which you won’t guess the ending.

It is difficult to believe that it is a first on the Broadstone stage for Andrea Pellegrini and Stella Henney in Alan Alyckbourn’s highly amusing play Mother Figure, with great support from Alan Dester. This is Kelly-Anne Singleton’s directorial debut.

Set in a pub on singles night, Up Close and Personal, directed by Mar Godfrey, features two new actors, Sue Gibson and Verity Brayshaw, who totally embrace the clash of personalities that result in another surprising ending.

The evening ends with Murder in Little Grimley featuring splendid performances by three new actors – Peter Court, Sue Spencer and Taylor Lewendon – supported by Amanda Senitt and the always brilliant Jenny Hughes. Full marks for new director Fiona Richards for this amusing production.

Don’t miss this opportunity for a really great evening out as you can see these plays on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September at 7.30pm. Tickets include a choice of cod, sausage or veggie nuggets and chips.

Tickets can be reserved by phoning 01202 678449 or emailing honsec@broadstoneplayers.co.uk and are also on sale at Broadstone News.