Review by Karen Wyatt-Epapara 

Set in a church hall, Out of Focus is a comedy that takes its characters from confusion and irritation through friendship and even romance in a common, but unexpected, goal.

The play begins as a group of strangers meets in the hall’s annexe, each believing they have booked the space. In fact, they have all been booked at the same time by the vicar’s wife, Evonne, who is also expecting to use the hall to hold pantomime auditions. She seems particularly anxious, and the group decide to help her out and prove to her doubting husband that she is capable of putting on a good show.

Sub-plots delve into the relationship between a husband, his wife and his secretary; developing love interests; and a young, insecure man looking to impress, each providing comedy moments of their own.

Ferndown Drama regular Dawn Hollington shines as Kath, wife to Bob, particularly when dropping in and out of her pantomime fairy character. Lee Neal, as her husband Bob, delivers a series of cutting one-liners with perfect comedic timing, while Leah Jane is sass personified as his secretary.

Christine Hughes shows off her acting skills as Evonne: she starts as an unconfident person, and ends as a bolshy drunk.

In another burgeoning love triangle, Helen Kuster as Helen is generally severe, but softens in the presence of David, played by Lee Tilson, who delivered his lines in a dry, hilarious manner. However, David is not interested and, instead falls for Sue, who clearly has a lot of fun developing her gossipy character.

The cast is rounded out by Scott Bedwell as Wayne, who does a good job of showing the layers of his character, and Peter Watson as Leonard – often oblivious to his surroundings, his calm demeanour brings a gentle humour to the proceedings.

Director Estelle Hughes does a good job of bringing together an eclectic group of actors, portraying a similarly diverse group of characters, in this entertaining play.

Out of Focus is on until Saturday 21 October at The Barrington, Ferndown. Tickets are available at £12 each.