Keeping Up Appearances

KADS’ Keeping Up Appearances was a sell out before it even opened, with this play, based on the popular TV series, proving very popular with local audiences.

Unlike most TV to stage adaptations, Keeping Up Appearances is not a stage version of episodes we have seen on the box, but a made for stage script, set at the local dramatic society, merging characters familiar from the series, with the backstage drama genre and a smattering of the Art of Course Acting. It features most of the regular characters from the series, but not Hyacinth’s husband Richard, which was strangely poignant given that the original actor, Clive Swift, passed away last month.

The set, which is the half finished set of a thirties drawing room murder mystery, serves the story well, lit nicely by a lighting design by Mark Ramsey. Julie Hickling’s sound design is a busy one - especially the many phone calls that occur.

Bonnie Rae Bruce is almost unrecognisable as Hyacinth Bucket, with strong tones of Patricia Routledge, and anchoring the show well. Paul Reed is a lovely foil as Emmett, Hyacinth’s neighbour and director of the local drama club. Christine Gribble is endlessly patient as Liz, Emmet’s sister and the show’s most conventional character - in a lovely performance.

Roxanne O’Connor makes an impressive community theatre debut as Hyacinth’s sister Daisy, beautifully accented and decidedly working class. She works nicely with Peter Neaves, who delivers a convincing performance as Daisy’s husband Onslow. Fi Livings appears to be having a ball as Hyacinth’s promiscuous sister Rose, in a wonderfully untamed performance. The latest object of her affections, shy newcomer to the drama society, Mr (Milly) Milson, is very nicely played by Peter Bloor.

Karin Staflund makes a lovely second act appearance as the posh Mrs. Debdon, while real-life pastor Les Marshall, makes an underclothed last minute cameo as ‘Daddy”.

While the pace could at times use a kick, and there was a (nicely saved) line fumble or two, this was a show that was good fun, and very much appreciated, by the capacity audience.

Kimberley Shaw