THE title of this play, written and directed by Club member Keith Rawlings, suggested a Restoration Comedy – but it proved to be a modern piece, set in a solicitors’ office, where deception – or bluff – is the name of the game.

It has a more-or-less plausible story, with well-drawn characters, and its humour is gentle – a little too much so perhaps – and easy on the mind. But there are one or two anomalies.

I was a little surprised at a reference to Gone With The Wind being a favourite film – why not Titanic or something equally modern? And I was even more surprised at how Mr Rawlings appears to see ladies of 50-something. Grey and frumpy? I don’t think so.

Pete Griffiths, who does a good line in charm, is well cast as Pinker, a solicitor with an eye for the ladies who is taught a lesson by his wife, Freda (Vanessa Turner) and fellow solicitor Parker (Noel Davenport). Denise King, despite several prompts, convinces as new employee Nancy Perdue, while Andrew Whyatt is superb as elderly clerk Clarke – and his spot-on timing ensures that he generates the most laughs. Don Gent (Mullard) has also created a real gem of a character, & the cast is completed by Ann Cave as his wife.

Linda Kirkman

Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo