Laying the Ghost...

The Good Companions, staged their production of 'Laying the Ghost' in the village hall, on Friday and Saturday night.

Set in a retirement home for permanently 'resting' actors (or thespians, if really must insist, luvvie), the action takes place on the morning of the 70th birthday of one of the senior residents, Margot Buchanan. Margot would much rather forget all about the milestone day, but her friends have other ideas and the events, as visitors arrive, form the basis of the plot.

There are two versions of the play; the stiff upper-lip British version, and the 'spicier' American version. Thankfully, director John Headon, blended elements of both to deliver a full bodied, very funny adaptation.

The play took part 'in the round', with Kerry Bannon taking the lead as Margot Buchanan, a retired Shakespearean actor , with Chris Fisher, playing a Welsh accented, former 'porno' star with big teeth – Sir Leo Buchanan, her ex-husband and foil. A sort of Elizabeth Taylor – Richard Burton relationship.

Presiding over the unfolding chaos with bemused bewilderment is the home's manager, Mr. Kidd (Steve Blackie). Steve made a credible debut with the group and Dave Barrett appeared surprisingly comfortable as campy Fred Deacon, Margot's psychic best friend and generated many of the laughs.