You'll be talking about this

Published on Tuesday 5 August 2008 12:10

Look Who's Talking Saughtonhall United Reformed Church

THERE are plenty of laughs to be had in the Saughtonhall Drama Group's production of Derek Benfield's 1980s farce of suburban infidelity and half lies.

Middle-class, middle-aged couple Sheila (Betty Meston) and Andrew (Bill Melville) are happily pottering along through their Sunday morning rituals, waiting for her friend Jane (Ishbel Shand) to turn up for lunch.

Unfortunately for their peace of mind, before either friend or food can arrive at the table, they are disturbed by unexpected and decidedly inappropriate guests.

First Brian (Scott McGillivray) turns up bearing flowers for Sheila and the news that, after casually bumping into her and Jane on Friday night, he and she shared moments of a decidedly intimate nature.

Moments she had drunk far too much wine to remember.

Then Carol (Sarah Howley), Andrew's latest secretary, arrives with a full suitcase, plane tickets for Italy and the news that, during last Friday's office party, he promised to show her the sites of Rome. A promise that he is equally unaware off.

If this really needs a whacking pace to pull off all the nuances of the comedy, director Morag Simpson realises that a more sedate rendition will allow the cast greater space to remember a long and wordy script.

So, with lie piling upon lie as Sheila and Andrew attempt to keep their indiscretions from each other as the unwanted guests contrive to stay for lunch, it is in the language and the situation that the comedy resides, rather than in finding any real depth of character to the protagonists.

Which is a shame, as the overall production is left a little on the bland side.

Howley, in particular, could do a lot more to bring Carol, who is underused by the script, further into contention.

The comedic touches are strongly put, with Andrew's prized marrow a particular treat.

And all the cast are quite well aware of how to time and deliver a comic line.

Yet, while it is all perfectly enjoyable, you feel that the company could stretch themselves quite a bit further before reaching the limits of their capabilities.

Until Saturday.