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By H.E. Bates
Directed by Jan Stapleton
Performed on Thursday 30 June - Saturday 02 July 2005, at Pentyrch Village Hall.
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Summary This stage play takes us back to the 1950's, Britain is still recovering from the after effects of the war and everyone is having to make economies. The lovable, irrepressible Larkin family who live in Kent 'somewhere at the end of the rainbow' made their debut in the novel 'The Darling Buds of May' in 1957 and went on to further delight and beguile audiences both on stage and screen. Pop, who makes a fortune from a variety of deals but has never paid income tax lives in rural idyllic bliss with generous hearted Ma and their six children. When a young earnest tax official, Mr Charlton, turns up one hot May afternoon in 1957 to investigate, he is bewitched immediately by eldest daughter Mariette and it isn't long before he succumbs to the boisterous Larkin family charm and largesse. NODA Review of 'The Darling Buds of May' Audiences attending a play previously seen on TV or in the cinema expect to relate to that other media. Of course, this is not possible. Hilltop made a valiant attempt to recreate the wonderful TV series with Phil Davies as Pa Larkin and Heather Major as Ma Larkin. Phil had worked hard in his attempt to emulate David Jason with the mannerisms and dialect. Unfortunately, I had difficulty in hearing some of the words which is unusual with Phil and I think it was due to the dialect. A stunning performance nevertheless. Helen Page had the unenviable task of becoming Zeta Jones in the part of Mariette who sets her sights on "Charlie" played by Richard Jones. Helen was quite convincing and Richard did well as the timid taxman. There were some good cameo roles by John Major as the Brigadier, Ifor Morris as Sir George and Steve Williams as the tax inspector. The stage had been cleverly divided to provide three sets in one with a small extension giving an extra dimension. Congratulations to Hilltop for this play and giving Connie and myself an enjoyable evening. Reviewed by Derek Grattidge Cast Ma Larkin (Flo Parker) Heather Major Pop (Sidney) Larkin Phil Davies Mariette Larkin Helen Page Mr Charlton Richard Jones Montgomery Larkin Nathan Brown Zinnia Larkin Abby Dawson Petunia Larkin Jenna Claridge Primrose Larkin Charlotte Hayward Victoria Larkin Bethany Petersen The Brigadier John Major Inspector Gorridge Steve Williams Miss Edith Pilchester Karen Claridge Sir George Bluff Gore Ifor Morris Lady Bluff Gore Brenda Slaughter Angela Snow Sue O'Halloran
Production Team
Producer/Director Jan Stapleton Assistant Director Rhys Stapleton Production Assistant Raynor Phinnemore Stage Manager Wayne Brewer Assistant S. Manager Nathan Brown Properties Raynor Phinnemor Set Design & Construction Wayne Brewer, Raynor Phinnemor, Josh Krip, Nathan Brown, Owain Davies Lighting Sarah Thomas Sound Josh Krip Continuity Anne Morris Rehearsal Assistant Sara Pickard Business Manager Bob Petersen House Manager Bob Petersen Front of House Members / Friends of Hilltop Box Office Heather Major |
