Curtain Up!

Tyldesley Little Theatre

Lemon Street, Tyldesley, March 20 to 24

Fledgling director Matt Walshaw does well with his small cast in this lesser known comedy from the pen of Peter Quilter about a group of women who are left a derelict theatre in a will from a common acquaintance and must overcome difficulties — and their differences — to make their inheritance work for them.

Cathryn Megan Hughes puts in an enthusiastic performance as eternal optimist Theresa, still compensating for the death of her father by hoping to make his theatre a success, whilst Joan Rogers as Pam conveys the bitterness of a woman scorned with some acerbic lines.

Andrea Peters is a joy as chirpy dieter Sharon, filling the stage with liveliness and vivacity, but Margaret Speakes as Betty has all the best pithy one-liners. The cast is completed by newcomer Gemma Manfredi as glamorous Jackie who provides a suitable foil for Pam’s envy.

A keep fit routine in act one is particularly amusing, but the comedy really flows when the fundraising concert is due and a replacement for Lisa Minnelli has to be found...

The hard working stage crew are slick and professional, and the transformation from foyer to stage during the interval is very well thought out and executed.

Runs until Saturday.

Peter Haslam