UK Theatre Network

Good To Firm

The Customs House, South Shields

Good To Firm is the first play of a trilogy written by Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood. It is centred around the Fletcher’s, Bob and Shirley, and Bob’s childhood sweetheart, Phillippa, who visits them on her annual trip home to see her parents.

Bob (Ray Spencer) is obsessed by horse-racing and enjoys nothing better than studying the form, popping into the bookies and finishing off at the pub. His long-suffering wife, Shirley (Angela Szalay), who has been married to Bob for 27 years, dislikes Phillippa and the relationship she has with her husband. Phillippa, played by Patricia L. Whale, moved to Florida, has a highly-paid job and likes nothing more than living the high-life. She has had many relationships, with both male and female partners, but still holds a torch for Bob, her first love.

Afnan Iftikhar portrays lothario Les, Phillippa’s latest boyfriend. He is quite a womaniser and does not hold back when trying to charm the females around him.

This comedy play is set against the back drop of the Grand National week end and begins as Bob is watching his VHS tape of the race, in which Red Rum beats Crisp, for the umpteenth time. It follows the characters as they spend the week end together and events from their pasts start to unfold.

Directed by Mark Wingett (who is probably best remembered for his 21-year role as DC Jim Carver in the long-running-but-recently-demised drama, The Bill), this production will suit anyone seeking an evening of light comedy entertainment, but be aware that it does contain some strong language and frequent sexual references.

Linda Barker.

Runs until Saturday 11 September 2010.

The second and third productions of the trilogy are as follows:

‘Raising The Stakes’ – Wednesday 6 October to Saturday 9 October 2010.

‘Photo Finish’ – Thursday 28 October to Saturday 6 November 2010.