Difference between revisions of "Cowardy Custard (1984)"

Revision as of 18:05, 22 May 2008

Poster by Poster Designer

by Gerald Frow, Alan Strachan & Wendy Toye featuring the Words & Music of Noel Coward

Directed by Alan Buckman

Musical Director William Hedley

Performances: Sun 4th – Sat 10th November 1984, Bell Theatre

Introduction

Performed by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd, Sponsored by Freewman's of London. Materials for set donated by New Regency Ltd.

Cast

• Paul Baines
• Kathy Barrett
• Eileen Bicarregui
• Alan Buckman
• Maureen Chapman
• Alison Cramond
• Ann Mattey
• Michael Mattey
• Andrew Mackeith
• Ann Richards
• Richard Shead
• Leigh Smith

• Pianits - William Hedley & Stephen Watts

Crew

• Stage Manager - Sonia Burke
• Deputy Stage Manager - June McAuliffe
• Assistant Stage Managers - Julie Howcutt & Linda White
• Lighting - Ann King
• Lighting Assistants - Danny Thomas & Brian Fretwell
• Set Constructor - Bernie Bullbrook
• With - Dave Groves & David Lamkin

Reviews

"A BOWL OF BUBBLING CUSTARD"

The broad and diverse range of Noel Cowards talent to amuse is given full reign in "Cowardy Custard"....

It is the November offering of the SLTC... and it would be a gloomy soul indeed that failed to be uplifted by its lilting molodies and bubbling wit. The songs come so think and fast that the two-hour traffic on the stage is in dange rof getting into a jam.

This is the kind of show that the SLTC can be relied upon to tackle with gusto, and they do not disappoint us on this occassion. The cast of 12 are tightly directed by Alan Buckman, and the work of William Hedley and Stephen Watts is unobtrusive but wholly at the service of the music.

That Coward wa the wittiest lyracist of his day scarcely needs stating. This is only one aspect of his talent, but it is given full value in this lively production. Beat of all is the impecable 'There are bad times jsut around teh corner', by a trio led by Alan Buckman himself.

Ann Mattey is a joy when telling us about that Marvelous Party and getting more smashed by the minute. Watch out for Eileen Bicaragui's (Eileen Coan) wickedly naughty Alice ('at it again') and Maureen Chapman's cool Colonial.

Then of course we have those indispensable favourites, 'Mrs Wothington' and 'Stately Homes' and an ensemble rendition of Coward's wickedly funny verses to Cole Porter's 'Let's Do It'.

There is a boistrous London Sequence in which we view the Master from a different angle, sentimental in 'London Pride', Harry Champion style in 'Mrs Brisket' and Cockney-celebratory at teh 'Rose and Crown'

The fragments of spoken autobiography are delivered not by one performer only, but by several in turn, the device serves only to emphasise the many-sidedness of this tireless servant of our popular theatre over several decades. I do urge all who appreciate his unique contribution not to miss this show.....

Donald Madgwick, The Croydon Advertiser

Gallery

Reminiscences and Anecdotes

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See Also

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References

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External Links

• This play on the web