The Pepperpot Players proudly presented a double bill of One Act Plays entitled “Getting Away From It All”. It was to this I got to travel all the way out to Niton on a dark night near the end of January.

Two plays, for the price of one?! Well, more is more as they say, and I sat down for two comedies set on and around the small stage and indeed out the front of it too.

“All By Myself” by Roger Scott presented itself as a send up of films like “Castaway” and books like Robinson Crusoe, only with more fake beards and IKEA flatpacked rafts. It told the story of “Larry the Loner” played by Chris Turvey, who was ably assisted by Julie Stonestreet, Denise Farrow, Chrissie Blow and Ros White as an entire host of bumbling seafarers, whose antics involved accidentally stealing firewood, failing to announce their present for years and even appointing Larry to guard their stash of small stones. 

The whole thing played out like an old Monty Python sketch with regional accents, exasperated dialogue that was well remembered by the actors, and some good laughs. The actors used the stage’s small space well and I did go home with the words of “Destitute, Alone” ringing in my ears. Overall, a solid first half to the double bill.

“You’re In Room 8” by Les Clarke was next up. Set in a rundown hotel somewhere in Oxfordshire, it depicted the tempestuous relationship between Roger (played by Peter Farrin) and Edna (Faye Farrin). The couple were in their way to a Masonic meet, but unfortunately had to check into this place: cue rants over mouldy biscuits, angry phone calls and one very, very, very, very put upon woman.

The actors bravely tackled the material and presented a piece that felt very at home in the era that brought us shows like “Fawlty Towers” and “Are You Being Served”. Peter and Faye both elevating the material by adding some warmth at the end of the show with Roger admitting how he has changed as he has aged. Despite a few points that perhaps could have benefited from more rehearsal, they received a warm reception at the end. Additional props should be given to Steve White and Sue Clark for small roles as the Hotel Owners, and the rather good set design on the whole of Room 8. (Though it must have been a very cold cup of tea Edna made with the kettle being unplugged all the play).

This was my first time seeing a Pepperpot Show and I’m very intrigued as to what they decide to make next. The audience enjoyed themselves with applause and very cheap glasses of wine, though sadly myself and my fiancé went home empty handed from the raffle. Well done to Nick Turvey and Mike Chappell for directing.

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Reviewed by Olly Fry