Fings ain't Wot They Used t'Be (1986)

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Poster by Poster Designer

by Frank Norman & Lionel Bart

Directed by Mike Mattey

Performances: Sat 4th – Sat 11th October (Gala Night Tues 7th) 1986, Bell Theatre


Introduction

Fred runs a failing gambling joint in a seedy Soho side street and harbours dreams of making a comeback to the halcyon days when he was "razor king of the manor".

Lil has retired from the oldest profession in the world and dreams of marrying Fred while she sweeps the floors around the feet of the tarts, ponces and layabouts who are Fred's only customers.

Sergeant Collins is the "friendly" local policeman who controls the "patch" and incidentally absorbs any profit that Fred might otherwise make. The sergeant's dream is to own a place like Fred's and be the one that pays and not just the one who 'cops' the bribes.

Paddy, the jovial tea-man; Tosher, the ponce: Betty and Rosey, Tosher's blousy tarts; Redhot, the old lag, and Norman, the leader of the local Teddy boys, are among the other dreamers who have made Fred's gaff their home.

When a horse does Fred a good turn all these dreams look like coming true and Horace, the designer, is on hand with plenty of gay ideas to put some of them into immediate effect. But gang boss, Meatface Heiman, stands in Fred's path and the only way back to the top is through a 'carve-up' with Meatface and his mob. Very nasty!

But "Fings Aint Wot They Used T'be" is above everything else an entertainment with lots of laughs and songs for everyone. It's a theatrical knees-up for all the family - a chance to forget your troubles and join in the fun.

Mike Mattey

This production was sponsored by Midland Bank.

Cast

Crew

Reviews

Some review quotes go here


Gallery

Reminiscences and Anecdotes

The second night looked quite different to the first in places. I added an extra 4 1,000 watt lights geled to bright colours for the musical numbers after seeing the first full performance. Brian Fretwell.

See Also

Have there been other SLTC/SLT productions of this play? Link to them here.

Or add anything that is related within this site. The author's page for instance or other plays with a similar theme.

References

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External Links