The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of Macbeth

Darlington Theatre Players' Production of The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of Macbeth, is a delightful piece of dribble that is very entertaining and a pleasant way to while away an afternoon or evening.

The cast appear to be having a ball in this play within a play, as the Farndale women compete in a festival competition under the gaze of respected adjudicator George Peach - played in a a very funny performance by Ray Egan.

From the moment the show opens with a piano introduction from Gwynneth (Marjorie De Caux), this is a light-hearted, nicely presented, fun show.

Neroli Burton is lovely as bossy chairwoman Mrs Reece, Rachel Vonk delights as Felicity whose Gentlewoman is particularly clever, Siobhan Vincent is strong as Thelma Smythe Uppington who plays Macbeth, while Taneal Thompson makes the most of physical comedy as the hapless Kate Parry-Jones.

Rodney Stickells-Palmer is fabulous as Henry who is forced by circumstance to play Lady Macbeth - and this is my favourite performance of his to date. No weak links in the "real" cast including Alyssa Burton, Fi Livings and Richard Coleman.

Darlington Theatre Players have dedicated 2014 to Shakespeare and Shakespeare inspired plays and The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of Macbeth was a delightful way to adda bit of fun. DTP's "Shakespearian" one act season will play in September.

Kimberley Shaw