The moment I walked into Bembridge Town hall I was instantly transported to “Yew Tree House” a retirement home for retired actors. The stage setting was pieced together and dressed perfectly to transport you there. BLTC knows all too well on how to put on a play, and use the stage space, and under the guidance of Director, Dianne Aspinall, the set she designed was a wonder to behold! It was truly a wow moment walking into that hall. John Hammond is wonderful with his hands and his set constructions are always high quality! Bravo!

Perfectly positioned are 2 chairs either side of centre stage, pink walls and conservatory windows either side with views of the gardens! Dressed with plants, flowers and cards the room was ready for a birthday celebration …. Or was it?

Margot Buchanan, played by Maria Wilkinson, is the main protagonist in this play written by Simon Williams. Maria is no stranger to the stage and this was evident throughout every scene. Maria looked at ease in her role as Margot which truly allowed this reviewer to relax and enjoy her powerful performance. Her timing was perfect from the get-go and delivered many one liners that seemed to just roll off her tongue naturally. As a retired actress, famous for her portrayal as Juliet, she was able to draw you in and show a glimpse of just how magnificent she would have been.

Margot is “celebrating” her birthday and receives a number of visitors. Little does Margot know that her visitors, none of whom she wishes to see, would also include her ex-husband’s mistress, an aspiring actress called Sadie, and his current wife, Lady Judy Buchanan. When all 4 of them end up in the room, together, the true chaos begins but not how you’d expect.

Lady Judy Buchanan is played by Jane Roberts and does a superb job! Her vast experience in the stage allowed Jane to pull everything together to play the stiff upper lipped Lady Buchanan. As time passes you see Jane fall into a more loveable, less uptight, Lady Buchanan which she did effortlessly. This allowed the audience to love her!

Sir Leo Buchanan, played by Ralph Edermaniger. He played the role of a loveable playboy, Margot’s ex-husband/manager, Sadie’s manager/lover and the husband to Lady Judy Buchanan, convincingly. I did find that he came more “alive” after his death and he was able to be more playful and engaging with the audience. His comedic timing was great and had everyone laughing.

Sadie was played by Julie Wilson. Julie had a very tough job with such strong people around her to stand out and she did it effortlessly. Sadie might not have been as funny as Margot or Freda but she brought to life a love struck, aspiring actress with a desperate need to be seen very well. Once we learn she is the mistress of love rat Leo you instantly have mixed emotions. Julie really embodied Sadie with ease and delivered a brilliant performance.

Mrs Kidd, is our nursing home assistant, who has the challenge with looking after Margot and Freda. Mrs Kidd is played by Ronni Petrossain and came across very timid and reserved. At times, sadly, it was very hard to hear her lines as Ronni came across very soft spoken. She was able to deliver her lines with conviction and landed a few very funny lines!

The star of the show was Freda, played by Fiona Gwinnett. Freda is a psychic who has the ability to communicate with ghosts. Fiona chose to portray her character with northern flavour and a Scottish accent. Her presence on stage was utterly captivating. With impeccable comedic timing, excellent control in her acting and a real investment in the role. Fiona was utterly loveable and believable – not forgetting hysterical. She commanded the attention of her audience. Fiona knew how to really involve the audience and when not to! Everything she did was effortless and natural. Although very disappointed we never got is see her Full Monty puzzle!

Dianne Aspinall is no stranger to the stage and didn’t disappoint with her direction! This play was entertainment at its finest! What a marvel she is and her vision executed brilliantly.

Not forgetting the excellent front of house, who doubled up as ensemble extras, the play was amazing and lived up to the reputation of BLTC that we have come to know and love. Making his stage debute was Balpyr Salrani who offered laughter a-plenty in his small cameo role!? What a true joy!

Well done to all involved – backstage crew, lighting and sound were perfect and the show ran/moved so smoothly.

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Review by Rob Bingham