Review: First Things First

The First Things First cast

St Ann's Players first production of 2011 was the comedy "First Things First" by Derek Benfield.   The stage set was up to the usual standard at St Ann's and gave the actors an excellent playing area.  The play was produced by Barbara Fielden and had the audience laughing out loud from the outset. 
 
The play was set in the living area of the home of Sarah and Peter who have been married for 6 months and appear very happy until Peter's best friend George informs him that his first wife whom they thought had died in a mountain climbing accident in the Himalayas 18 months ago was in fact alive and was due to turn up at the house that evening whilst Sarah was out at a party with her mother Margot. 

However Sarah feigns twisting her ankle which is bandaged by the formidable Margot a retired Surgeon so that they can continue to the party leaving Peter's first wife Jessica clear to attend the house not knowing that Peter has remarried.   

The confusion continues when Peter states the house is in fact his best friend George's and that George is married to Sarah, from where all kinds of second guessing ensues and by the time the first act concludes Sarah and Margot have returned to add to the confusion.

Peter is played with excellent timing and expressions by Peter Dignan and his second wife Sarah is played by Annette Nodwell who adds to the mixture of confusion and comedy with good timing and ability.  

The main laughter lines are brought to life by the excellent Tim Keiley – his facial expressions and timing was a joy to behold.  Margot the daunting mother in law of Peter was played by Judith Mansfield in a very convincing manner and was made up perfectly to compliment her sarcastic and sniping tongue. 

Jessica the first wife was a perfect role for Joanne Frost's comedic talents and was played beautifully throughout the play.

In the second act another character appears Alan played with confidence by Dave Stopford who has been living in France with Jessica for the past 18 months much to Peter's dismay.  

More and more confusion for the audience to lap up until finally both the wives decide they don't want to be married to Peter, Jessica going off to France to live with Alan and Sarah will continue to live with Peter (who is a married man to Jessica which Sarah decides would be terribly naughty but exciting as she would be a single woman living with a married man).  

The well written play ensured that the audience was treated to a night of laughter and a very enjoyable evening was had by all.