“Luck of the Draw’ review by Fiona Murchie
April 12th saw the very welcome return of Crieff Drama Group’s ever popular supper theatre after a hiatus of five years.
This year’s enjoyable production, A. S. Robertson’s ‘Luck of the Draw’ was produced and directed by Elspeth Fleming with the flair the loyal audience has come to expect and appreciate.
A single act four-hander, the premise of the plot is a gathering of a social club committee to draw the Christmas raffle.
Those present are three members of the committee and Miss Pessell, whose task it is to ensure a fair draw in order to safeguard the committee from accusations of a ‘fix’. This might seem straight-forward enough but questions soon arise over what constitutes fairness when a wealthy businessman’s ticket is first out of the box.
Chairman Wilf wonders whether it is really fair for someone who doesn’t need a hamper to receive one when there are many deserving people in the area who would appreciate it so much more?
In the meantime, Mrs Bannion, who was responsible for organising the prizes, is worried that the contents of the prize hamper are really not good enough for a man of Mr Brooker’s standing. This moral entanglement sets the scene for some witty dialogue as the four try to unravel the dilemma. Each of the committee members tries to justify making a redraw – within the loosely applied rules of the club’s constitution, while Miss Pessell becomes more and more perplexed about her role in the whole drama.
Originally written as a radio play, ‘Luck of the Draw’ is a light-hearted satire about people who take themselves too seriously. Elspeth chose an experienced cast more than capable of doing justice to the piece.
Neil Combe portrayed Chairman Wilf as passionate and articulate in his reasoned arguments in favour of a redraw while Ann Morrison played the comical Mrs Bannion fretting about her own reputation if the prizes are not up to scratch.
Kate Beauchamp depicted Miss Pessell as a slightly dippy lady initially flattered to have been asked to officiate but who becomes quite flummoxed by the turn of events.
And finally Ronnie, the Treasurer, keen to keep everyone within the rules, was played by Jane Drysdale, who coped seamlessly with being drafted in as a last minute replacement.
A new venue for the supper theatre, Crieff Bowling Club had a lovely intimate atmosphere. As in previous years, the event was catered by Gourlays. The food was superb and the waiting staff were well-trained and efficient.
An unfamiliar venue must add an extra layer of logistical planning for the backstage team but they are, of course, well used to adapting to changing venues. Congratulations to everyone involved for yet another success.
April 12th saw the very welcome return of Crieff Drama Group’s ever popular supper theatre after a hiatus of five years.
This year’s enjoyable production, A. S. Robertson’s ‘Luck of the Draw’ was produced and directed by Elspeth Fleming with the flair the loyal audience has come to expect and appreciate.
A single act four-hander, the premise of the plot is a gathering of a social club committee to draw the Christmas raffle.
Those present are three members of the committee and Miss Pessell, whose task it is to ensure a fair draw in order to safeguard the committee from accusations of a ‘fix’. This might seem straight-forward enough but questions soon arise over what constitutes fairness when a wealthy businessman’s ticket is first out of the box.
Chairman Wilf wonders whether it is really fair for someone who doesn’t need a hamper to receive one when there are many deserving people in the area who would appreciate it so much more?
In the meantime, Mrs Bannion, who was responsible for organising the prizes, is worried that the contents of the prize hamper are really not good enough for a man of Mr Brooker’s standing. This moral entanglement sets the scene for some witty dialogue as the four try to unravel the dilemma. Each of the committee members tries to justify making a redraw – within the loosely applied rules of the club’s constitution, while Miss Pessell becomes more and more perplexed about her role in the whole drama.
Originally written as a radio play, ‘Luck of the Draw’ is a light-hearted satire about people who take themselves too seriously. Elspeth chose an experienced cast more than capable of doing justice to the piece.
Neil Combe portrayed Chairman Wilf as passionate and articulate in his reasoned arguments in favour of a redraw while Ann Morrison played the comical Mrs Bannion fretting about her own reputation if the prizes are not up to scratch.
Kate Beauchamp depicted Miss Pessell as a slightly dippy lady initially flattered to have been asked to officiate but who becomes quite flummoxed by the turn of events.
And finally Ronnie, the Treasurer, keen to keep everyone within the rules, was played by Jane Drysdale, who coped seamlessly with being drafted in as a last minute replacement.
A new venue for the supper theatre, Crieff Bowling Club had a lovely intimate atmosphere. As in previous years, the event was catered by Gourlays. The food was superb and the waiting staff were well-trained and efficient.
An unfamiliar venue must add an extra layer of logistical planning for the backstage team but they are, of course, well used to adapting to changing venues. Congratulations to everyone involved for yet another success.
