UK Theatre Network

Caught In The Net

Whitley Bay Theatre Company at Tynemouth Priory Theatre

The sequel to the hilarious "Run For Your Wife" by that master of farce Ray Cooney finds  bigamist taxi driver, John Smith, still running two families at the same time and keeping them blissfully unaware of each other. However, his teenage children - one boy and one girl by each wife - have met on the internet and are determined to see each other, especially as it seems their father’s have so much in common- same surname, middle name and forename, same occupation and same age.

When John realises they are about to meet he enlists the aid of his long-suffering friend and lodger Stanley Gardner. He is just about to go on holiday with his senile old father who turns up thinking he is already at the guest house. The situation gets increasingly out of hand as John busts a gut juggling with the truth.

Whitley Bay Theatre Company has put together a fine production with an impressive split-set that represents the lounge of each family home. The cast of seven works hard throughout and there are some excellent comedic performances. Chris Johnson takes on the central character of John Smith in addition to directing the piece, whilst his wives, Barbara and Mary, are played by Annie Boulton and Joanna Wingate, respectively. The troublesome teenagers are portrayed by Alex Covell and Lyndsey Fenn, and both show great promise for the future. Much of the light relief comes from Ray Boulton and Robin Herron as Stanley and his elderly dad.

First night nerves were obviously responsible for a number of prompts, but this production is of such a standard that a few fluffed lines can be very easily forgiven.

Steve Burbridge.

Runs until Saturday 13^th March 2010