Reviews: Pure wedded bliss; WHEN WE ARE MARRIED Lapworth Players Lapworth Village Hall.

Byline: JOHN SLIM

IT is a tribute to the strength of a drama group when it can offer six sterling performances as the centrepiece of J B Priestley's classic comedy about three couples celebrating their joint silver weddings - and still have enough talent to spare for two minor characters to threaten to steal the show.

This is no reflection on the excellent performances by Denis Barnfield, Claire Hill, Brian Giles, Reg Fox, Becca Tallentire and Lynne Fisher - just an expression of gratitude that, having found them, the group was still able to come up with Katie Wall and Keith Gascoigne.

She is Ruby, the delightful maid who speaks in a gulpy chirrup. He is Henry Ormonroyd, the harmless, beer-swilling photographer who commands the stage so unforcefully and so amusingly. These are two lovely characters that add their own charm to David Pickersgill's production.

A special word, too, for Heather Copland's Mrs Northrop, the strident charlady who arrives inconveniently at a time of crisis, and Sue Wall as Lottie Grady, who is revealed as the dark little secret of one of the husbands.

This is a play that will be 70 years old next year but refuses to show its age. It continues until tomorrow.

VERDICT: ***

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Title Annotation:	Features
Publication:	Birmingham Mail (England)
Date:	May 4, 2007
Words:	243
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