Easy Money

Reviews and Cuttings

“Easy Money” presented at South Brent
BUCKFASTLEIGH HELPERS

When the final curtain fell at the Church Hall, South Brent, after the last performance there on Wednesday by the Buckfastleigh Amateur Dramatic Group of their current production of "Easy Money," a comedy by Arnold Ridley, Mr. George Preston, on behalf of South Brent Amateur Dramatic Society paid a warm tribute to the cast which was composed of members of both Dramatic Groups, for the spirit of comradeship and co-operation which had resulted in such a successful production, proceeds of which are to be devoted to funds in connection with the upkeep of the Church Hall, and for expenses incurred in recent decorations and furnishings.

“Easy Money" is one of those comedies in which the performers get as much fun out of it as does the audience, and from the moment the curtain rose to a very receptive audience it was obvious that this was no mere speaking of lines but a slice of real life. There was Grandma Stafford (Margaret Cornish-Bowden) who was a thorn in everyone’s flesh, and particularly annoying to little Jacqueline Worrall (Betty Walton). This young actress has been seen in many roles, but none so carefree and satisfying as the excitable schoolgirl who somehow managed to alter the lives of the entire Stafford family.

The Staffords, a middle class family living at Caterham, consisted of Philip and Ruth (George Salter and Molly Luscombe) and their two children. Dennis (E Scoble) a head strong boy, everybody’s pal and the sort of son anybody would be proud of; and Carol (Jeanne Lampard) their attractive daughter who was in love with Martin Latham (Fred Seager) from next door - a bewildering, spineless type to whom nothing happened, who, for war service, went into the army, remained in the army, and came out of the army, and had a· thoroughly dull time.

Molly Luscombe was sheer joy as the delightful empty-headed well-intentioned mother, and the quarrel scene between her and Philip - she so rapid-speaking and illogical, he so irritatingly slow and unprovoking, was superb. George Salter and Maragret Cornish-Bowden were on "home ground" in South Brent and their splendid performances throughout the run of this refreshing comedy have enhanced the already high reputation they hold.

The remaining members of the cast were Ethel (W. Barnes) the old type of housekeeper-cum-cook-general, unobtrusive and kindly; and George Kirby, C.I.D. (Eric Midgley) the plain clothes policeman, hot on a cold trail.

The orchestra, under the direction of Edith Warren played, among others, numbers appropriately entitled “Gold and Silver," and "Money is the Root of all Evil." Stage Managers were Donald Hayman and A. E. Studden, electrician, Fred Weeks, wardrobe mistress, Mrs. W. R. Lee; property master, Fred Walters; hairdresser, Doris Winters. ‘The play was produced ‘by Edith M. Scoble - who was presented with a bouquet of yellow tulips by Mrs. Vicary.

At the close of the evening  Mr A. White, President of the Buckfastleigh Group thanked South Brent for their spirit of co-operation, and particularly the service rendered by George Salter, of whom South. Brent had reason to be very proud. In conclusion he expressed the visitors’ thanks to both Mrs. Vicary and Mrs. Salter for providing refreshment to the entire cast and their friends.