Review by Paul Towers, 9/11/26
Season’s Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by Russell Hughes
Produced by Leicester Drama Society
At The Little Theatre til Saturday 14th
November 2026
It is that time of the year when so many of
us are dreading trying to organise a peaceful Christmas gathering. Alan
Aykbourne’s Season’s Greetings reminds us of exactly how bad it can get. From
the neurotic hostess, the philandering husband, the dire puppeteer and the
eternal virgin all of life’s worst party guests are gathered for the festive
season in this black comedy. Laugh and be grateful this is not your Christmas.
Belinda (Natasha Carr) is the neurotic
hostess stuck in a loveless marriage to Neville (Spencer Hague), who is forever
tinkering in his shed. Eddie (Thomas Bates) shares Neville’s love of tinkering
and is with him trying to fix the remote-controlled tree lights. Eddie’s
pregnant wife Pattie (Gemma Wright) gets largely ignored despite her constant
nagging of him.
Rachel (Marisa Rydzy) is anxiously waiting
for the arrival of ‘celebrated author’ Clive (Joe Allen) but it is Belinda who
attracts his attention when he does finally arrive.
Sitting in the best armchair in the house,
Harvey (a wonderfully curmudgeonly performance by Carolos Dandolo) is relishing
the violent film on the TV while Bernard (Darren Hawes) is preparing the
dreaded puppet show for the children.
Phyliss (Molly Georgina) seeks to avoid all
the drama surrounding her husband Bernard by becoming quietly drunk.
The farcical humour really kicks in when
Belinda and Clive are caught having sex on the sofa.
All of this takes place on an impressive set
designed by Tristan Knowles. As is always the case with LDS productions the acting is exemplary and the
characterisations are spot on.
Season’s Greetings is at The Little until
Saturday 14th November
Pics: Russell Webster
https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/
https://ptheatre.blogspot.com/
