By Peter Kemp
The 1812 Theatre’s May production was the American comedy Till Beth Do Us Part.
A comedy touching on fast and enjoyed by the opening night audience. The stage was set as the living room of the home of Susannah and Gibby Hayden. Susannah runs her business from home while Gibby is the local TV weatherman.
Of course Gibby doesn’t do much around the house always putting things off so Susannah employs a woman to help run the house and who finally takes over the business.
Kate Macfie was Susannah. A good portrayal of a businesswoman getting more and more frustrated.
Rowan Francis was Gibby, a I’ll do it later husband. Well played with Francis catching the finer nuances of such a character. Their friends, Margo and Hank were both well played by Megan Coe and Edward Kennett. Coe caught the character with finesse giving a good performance. Kennett, a tall man which helped in the humour of the evening, gave a sterling portrayal and costume wise added to the enjoyment of the evening.
Beth, the hired lady, was given a wonderful interpretation by Helen Ellis. She captured the accent as required, a very busy lady, projects well and was a bonus to the production.
As Susannah’s boss, Celia Carmichael played by Leeann Cairnduff although a small role toward the end of the play, gave a great feel of the character and a scene with Kennett nearly raised the roof.
A different ending to what one would expect but you have to see it to enjoy the whole production.
