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ENTERTAINING ANGELS - by Richard Everett

This play is set in the recent past and looks at the emotional turmoil experienced by  Grace whose late husband, Bardolph, was the local vicar. At times funny and at times very poignant, the play slowly uncovers the repression and resentment that Grace has been suppressing throughout her marriage and questions the very foundation of her faith. When her sister Ruth makes a startling admission Grace’s world is turned upside down. This is further complicated when Grace’s late husband turns up as a ghost that only she can see.

We welcomed back Phillipa Rushbridge to the cast after a small role in the one-act play Iron Magnolias in the spring. Newcomer to the Players was Laura Fuller while the rest of the cast was made up of familiar faces to our regular audiences, Liz Tomlin, John Tomlin and Jackie Lucas. John Tomlin also directed the play.

This production was a challenge, with a complicated set that involved extending the stage into the auditorium. It was one of the most ambitious the Players have had, but the hard work of designing and constructing it paid off as it was commented on by many members of the audience.

The play was complimented by a great sound plot devised by Paul Hyde, lighting by Duncan Hollands and set by Doris Parker assisted by Cyril Mighall. Our thanks also go to all the behind the scenes and front of house helpers who give freely of their time.

“I’ve made four thousand six hundred medium-sized quiches

and personally baked two tons of light crust pastry … and for what?!”

This play starred Penelope Keith in the West End production.

As a clergy wife, Grace has spent a lifetime on her best behaviour.
Now, following the death of her husband Bardolph,
she is enjoying the new-found freedom to do and say exactly as she pleases.
But the return of her eccentric missionary sister Ruth, together with some disturbing revelations,
force Grace to confront the truth of her marriage.

With sharp-edged comedy and probing wit, this play makes Grace look back on her life and question many of her beliefs.