Wedding of the Year - 5 Saints Amateur Theatre Company

Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street, Bolton, BL1 4TG

By Peter Haslam

 

DIRECTOR Katie Ball made two wise decisions in setting this play in the north of England.

The humour works better with northern accents and in the time period in which it was written, the premise would not really have as much relevance in our modern day society.

Melissa Ratcliffe gets the balance just right as potential bride Alison, combining gawky shyness with raw emotion in an impressive performance.  Equally so, Chris Hatchman as hapless suitor Melvyn turns out a brilliantly comic performance with some wonderful facial expressions and a great sense of comic timing.

Hazel Bumby is lovely as Alison’s mum Ethel - a warm, audience-winning performance that makes you wish she was your mum –  ably supported by Melinda Saunders (posh neighbour Peggy), John Dudley (humble neighbour Walter), Joe Cunliffe (Jack the Lad Uncle Frank), Jack Corrigan (dress designer Harry), and dotty aunts Carmella Horne and Maureen Clare.

The introduction of irascible Aunt Cilla in act two – a perfect performance by Irene Smith – keeps the humour flowing, and Katie’s choice of music to cover scene changes is excellent, having the audience tapping their feet in delight.

A good heart-warming story.