The review was written by Ena Richards and appeared in the Surrey Advertiser.
The Society staged two one-act plays, Nasty Things, Murders by Arthur Lovegrove, and Last Panto in Little Dunsfold, adapted from a play by David Tristram, for their annual show on the evenings of November 15th to 17th, 2007.
Directed by John Simper in a directorial debut, the first play, set in a retirement home for women, was, according to the Surrey Advertiser reviewer, an inspired choice at a time when amateur societies often have more actresses than actors. Four residents settle down to watch a TV dramatisation of a notorious murder, but the TV breaks down before they discover who the murderer was. During the ensuing chatter and gossip, Camilla Fryer (as Ethel), Gillian Kisch (Louise), Shirley Jeffrey (Madge) and Mary Murphy (Mary) brought out the comedy and drama of the interaction between their very different characters. To begin with, Mary says very little, but when she does finally speak, the others are left wondering just how she knows about a 20-year-old murder. Could it be that Mary was the murderess? And what does that mean for them - will they be safe in their beds? By the time Mary Anne Pryor (as Matron) announces cocoa, they are all convinced of Mary's guilt. But when questioned outright, she allays their fears. After all, how difficult can it be to reassure them, given that she was able to convince a jury that someone else was guilty of the murder!
The second play, directed by Jo Jones, also making her directorial debut with the DADS, was cleverly personalised, with humorous references to local people and places getting a warm response from the audience. A faltering am-dram group discusses their forthcoming panto, led by a dynamic John Simper (as Gordon) who is certain that 'sex sells'. Joyce Hyslop (Margaret) is not so sure, and is determined not to improve ticket sales by removing her clothes, while Mary Stiles (Joyce) would prefer a musical slant which, given her character's rather dubious vocal talents, would be unfortunate. David Airey (Bernard) has to divide his time between tending the dodgy lighting and playing the back end of the pantomime horse. Rehearsals are chaotic and the performance even more so! The fast pace and lively action gave a good contrast to the first play, and the cast worked hard to keep it going, both physically and with punchy dialogue.
Louise Enticknap and Anne Cannings, as producer and stage manager for both plays, worked hard to ensure arrangements for the two productions went smoothly, and Tony Cannings brought his usual lighting and special effects skills to the benefit of both plays.
Beryl Cooke and Barbara Elliot were assistant stage managers respectively for the two plays. Scenery was constructed by Jonathan Mason, make-up was by Jo Lavis and costumes by Mary Hardcastle. Publicity and programme were arranged and designed by Richard Woof and the Box Office was managed by Gillian Kisch. The Gentlemen of Dunsfold undertook Front of House duties and The Ladies of Dunsfold arranged the catering.
