Review: House Keeper Wanted/Bloomin' Disgrace Saughtonhall Church Hall

Published on Thursday 25 March 2010 09:05

House Keeper Wanted/Bloomin' Disgrace **** Saughtonhall Church Hall

DIVORCING somebody on the basis of their relatives' taste is entirely understandable.

Which is why Victor is seeking a housekeeper in the first of two one-act comedies staged by the Saughtonhall Drama Group.

Played with slapstick gusto by Colin Mitchell, Victor has reached the point of no return after an argument with his beloved about his mother-in-law's birthday gift. Leading to all sorts of trouble as a succession of candidates arrive to interview for the position of housekeeper, each more disturbing than the next.

Although Simon Petrie's direction suits the piece well, he battles for the most part against a mediocre script.

Far better was Bloomin' Disgrace. With a great pace, pithy laugh-out-loud lines and an excellent performance by leads Murray Petrie and Betty Meston, the audience spent much of the evening in gales of laughter.

Directed by John Webster, the play – centred on the underhand tactics in the run-up to the Glenshoogle flower and produce show – zings with life and well observed touches. As they'd say on the Beechgrove Garden, bloomin' marvellous.