Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Barry Hill’s production of this lovely farce gives audiences all the fun one could hope for. A couple of old ladies, who are definitely not past it, running a lingerie boutique from a New York apartment is the setting. Mix in a niece who has no idea what’s going on, a policeman who is too nice for his own good, and a grumpy landlord who wants to evict them all! Katherine Disavino’s script gives them plenty of room for hilarity. It is well written with a dose of comic activity thrown in.
Designed by Barry Hill and Bob Peet, and built by Barry Blakebrough and Stanley Tuck, the set is a star on its own with all the hiding places remaining from the original owner, a probation bootlegger. Kudos to the set builders and the crew that operates it.
Penni Hamilton-Smith brings Sylvia, the New York octogenarian, to life, sparing with her long-time friend Vera, played with appropriate infirmity by Chris Galipo. These two provide the sarcasm and wit that keeps the laughs coming. Trying desperately to prevent Sylvia’s unusual occupation from getting her arrested Bridget, her niece (Kayla Cranfield) handles the confusion of her character well. Her interaction with Tom the police officer, played with credulity by Clinton Nitschke has her trying to escape a traffic fine as well as keep him from discovering Sylvia’s secret.
Sylvia’s nemesis comes in the form of Frank Cwietniak as Mr Schmidt, the landlord, and a would-be model Heather Van Pree (Monique Millar) when they both visit unexpectedly. Schmidt meets his match when his wife, played by Therese Horby arrives.
Marcus Catt is the UPS man (when he is not helping to work the secret cupboards) and adds to the fun with deliveries of many boxes that arrive at the wrong time.
Special mention to Lydia Arway for props and Rebecca Jarratt with Jenny Kwok for costumes. All were very colourful and interesting! In all, it is a great production of a very funny play. Thoroughly recommend buying a ticket and having a good laugh.
