Sidbury into Drama recently presented Quizzers by Geoff Bamber, skilfully directed by Maggie Knights and Emma Murdoch.
The curtains opened onto an untidy room in the home of Keith and Lorna Smedley, and it was evident from the bickering and sniping between them that theirs was a rocky relationship.
Keith was hoping to prepare for the pub quiz that evening, quizzing obviously the mainstay of his existence, while Lorna was engrossed in plans for a business with her geeky friend Binny, supposedly an interior designer of renown.
Completing the cast was daughter Alison, boyfriend Nick, his mother Stella, Keith’s best friend Ross, and an ex-con called Rat, deemed to have specialist skills.
Ross and "batty" Binny hit it off straight away and some smouldering scenes followed.
When it was revealed that Keith and Stella had had a "connection" before his marriage, confusion and misunderstandings ensued.
Typical of farce, there were lots of comings and goings and characters caught with their "proverbial" trousers down.
Andy Tilbrook made a ponderous, pedantic Keith constantly in "quiz zone" and was perfectly partnered by Heather Billingham, a frustrated and short-tempered Linda.
Heather McKay as Alison was stoic throughout, completely unfazed by the goings-on, while Curtis Goding as Nick immersed himself into the machinations of quizzing, bringing an endearing naivety to the piece.
Gwenan Paewai as Binny had an immediate connection with the audience, her over-the-top antics gained a "round" every time.
Perhaps a local favourite?
Playing the womanising Ross, Ian Harbour simply oozed with passion, his expressions said it all.
Tracey Stone was delightful as Stella, her tight leather skirt and leopard skin top perfect for the character.
Mark Billingham was just right as the enigmatic Rat - car mechanic, arsonist or "hit man" was left open to interpretation.
The set was crammed, and everyone did well to manoeuvre around in the tight space.
The prompt assisted at times but was part of the fun, and it was a relief to discover finally who scored the second goal in the 1966 World Cup.
A very funny, enjoyable and warmly received production!
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