The word "farce" as used to describe Ben Travers' play, "A Cuckoo in the Nest" really lived up to its meaning on Wednesday evening when Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society presented "A Cuckoo in the Nest". It is hard to single out one actor or actress for individual praise so well balanced is the cast, but William Parry as the "lah-de-dah" Peter Wykeham provoked many riotous scenes with his realistic and effective acting.
One character who really took the eye was Reginald Crompton as Alfred, the barman, who, with his vacant expression and loud "cold in the nose" voice, provided much hilarity. "Petite" Myra Jennings as Marguerite Hickett dealt efficiently with the foreign accent, and Joyce Thomson, as Mrs. Smokey, the cold, hard-boiled landlady, took her part admirably.
Special mention must be made of Hillary, the corgi dog, who "acted" perfectly throughout the play.
Other parts were well played by Rawlins, the maid (Audrey McDowell), Barbara Wykeham (Mildred A. Kay), Mrs Bone (Alice Garstang), Major George Bone (George Parry), Gladys, another maid (Marjorie Greenhalgh), Noony, a villager (Cyril Crompton), the Rev Cathcart Sloley Jones (John E. Hacking), Claude Hickett MP (Ken Widdowson), Chauffeur (Tom Dover). The production is in the hands of Mrs E. Cooper. The play is being presented again tomorrow night.
