The show must go on - and the Arundel Players made sure it did at the opening night of Relative Values on Monday evening (January 16), despite the horrendous weather which had disrupted their final rehearsals.
Bravo to the determined and talented cast and to the hardy souls who braved the icy streets of Arundel to reach the theatre.
"It's been nerve-wracking but all the cast have been marvellous," said director Margaret Mason. "The rehearsal last Tuesda
y had to be abandoned when the heavy snow started to fall, but although most of the cast live outside Arundel, they all managed to get here somehow for the other rehearsals and were absolutely determined we should go ahead."
Everyone's efforts were amply rewarded with the lively performance of Noel Coward's classic satire of snobbery. One of the Master's less well-known works, with Margaret at the helm it was a delightful depiction of an aristocratic family and their domestic staff steeped in the traditions of a social order which w3as rapidly being eroded.
Both classes feared the consequences of the breakdown of social barriers, reflected in the betrothal of the son and heir to a 'common, painted hussy' from Hollywood, regarding it as another nail in the coffin of their well-ordered lives.
The Arundel Players production has been cast to perfection, each member totally in character to act out the nuances of the inevitable clash of cultures in the tale of ladies' maid Moxie whose life is turned upside down when she realises the new fiancee of her mistress's son is her long-lost film star sister.
The undoubted star of the show is Dorothy Olney as the matriarch of the aristocratic Marshwood family - her timing is perfect as she delivers a host of sardonic bon mots, while Roger Menhenett is equally impressive as Crestwell the butler.
They are superbly backed up by the rest of the cast and this wonderful romp through the social revolution of 1950s Britain is complemented by a superb set and stunning costumes.
JR 