Laying The Ghost


The Evening Telegraph - December 2002

NIGHT OF FUN WITH GHOSTLY GOINGS-ON...
Review by Jan Souter

Dundee Dramatic Society's fast moving, wordy but witty play is set in Yew Tree House, a retirement home for actors and actresses, writes Jan Souter.

The plot revolves around former actress Margot Buchanan (cynically played to perfection by Dorothy Devine), who does not want to be reminded it is her 70th birthday. Unfortunately, those around her are keen to celebrate!

The cast also comprises other wonderful characters.

There is Freda Deacon (Joyce Lindsay), Margot's psychic friend, who maintains contact with the other side while endeavouring to complete a jigsaw puzzle of The Full Monty; Mrs Kidd (ably portrayed by Dorothy Culloch), the unflappable manager of te home; Sir Leo Buchanan (Lynn Smith), Margot's ex-husband, a philanderer and womaniser; Lady Buchanan, his current wife (Elma Longair) and Sadie Croft (Tricia Stewart), an aspiring young actress.

The performance really takes off when Sir Leo suffers a fatal heart attack. Chaod and hilarity ensue as his ghost appears, dressed in a white suit, anxious to sort out matters between his three women - but visible only to Freda.

The laughter then comes thick and fasr with Lynn and Joyce, in particular, displaying superb comedy timing.

Everything does sort itself out but not before Margot recieves a very unexpected birthday gift and a very touching ending.

Niall Dalson lives out every young man's dream, giving sterling support as Superman, and Jonathan Gall and Ward McGaughrin make a brief appearance as the orderlies.

Directed by Alma Donald, the play runs nightly at 7.30 until Saturday when there is also a matinee at 2.30.

The enjoyment of this latest production at the theatre is enhanced by a more pleasant temperature in the auditorium, thanks to the recent installation of air conditioning.

© D C Thomson & Co., Ltd 2002

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