The Entertainers began their autumn programme with a performance of ‘Fawlty Towers’- The Kipper and the Corpse. The set was cleverly designed making the most of the space with access to various rooms in the hotel carefully placed to avoid collisions in the many confusing entrances and exits. At one point a linen basket containing a body was moved, at speed, completely avoiding hitting anything or anybody. The stage managers, Sean Briffett and Robert Davis assisted by Julian Morris and Barry Etheridge are to be congratulated for producing such a convincing set.

Sean Briffett was suitably manic as Basil Fawlty and Kim Huntley coped admirably as Sybil. David Oborne was delightfully vague as the Major and Julian Morris suffered notably as Manuel. Jenny Ludgate as the eccentric dog loving Mrs Chase cuddled the marvellously well behaved ‘Prince’ portrayed by Poppy the Chi Tzu, very kindly loaned by the Frances family for the occasion. Poor Graham Walker had little to say and not a groan escaped him as he was carted hither and thither as the corpse and dumped in a laundry basket and wardrobe. Maria Baillie fainted as the old busy-body Miss Tibbs and Christine Champion as Polly smoothed things over when tact was needed. Dan Crilley was imposing as Dr Price and the rest of the cast, Jane Rowland as Miss Gatsby; Hannah Overd as Mrs White and Barry Etheridge as Mr White, played their parts with great enthusiasm.

The audience was kept highly amused for this the first half of the programme. Mike Pettitt started the second half telling us about Paddy McGinty’s goat and later sang two romantic songs. David Oborne gave us the Major General’s song from the ‘Pirates of Penzance’ and later the audience joined him in singing ‘Mud Glorious Mud’. Jenny Ludgate followed with a spot of ‘Global Warming’ and a poem. Angela Pettit, Charlotte and Emma Salisbury sang, Julian Morris, Christine Champion, Dan Crilley and Graham Walker performed a sketch and Sean Briffett, dressed as a clown, brought the show to a close with a little help from a lady in the audience and the entire cast. This very enjoyable and amusing evening was produced by Anne Hembrow. 

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