CASH ON DELIVERY by Michael Cooney Director Connor Parkinson APeel Drama Group This drama is a farce in the true sense of the word. The author, Michael Cooney, has created a dramatic work that is ludicrously captivating and exercises your ‘chuckle muscles’. Householder Eric Swann finds it easy to defraud the DHSS with multiple claims for fictitious lodgers and their ailments. Then there is a knock at the door! His deceit comes tumbling down as we meet an undertaker, a do-gooder, a marriage counsellor, a fiancé and a supervisor. All these callers are given farcical explanations as to why they are in attendance all adding to the humorous mix. A set is needed to allow the improbable comical situations to unfold. All the boxes were ticked including a window seat and all the necessary doors to open and close on cue. The action takes place in the Swann’s lounge. There was a well painted back drop (street scene) and screening for when front and kitchen doors were open. Lighting effectively lit the drama. Casting has to be so strong: playing farce has to meet the definition of teamwork and ensemble playing. Also, pitch and pace has to rule. The dialogue moves at such a pace by each character so that their voices/pitch must be audible for the audience to pick up all the twists and turns of the plot. Alex Clarke, as Eric Swann, was totally in the driving seat as he took the audience down Eric’s rabbit hole of deception. His delivery was full of energy, every cue tightly picked up. Eric’s partner in crime is Uncle George who helps with the web of lies and becomes the body in the window seat. Joe Davies got the most out of the word play and physical humour. There is a lodger, Norman, who is engaged and gets roped into helping Eric but only succeeds in making matters worse. Coleane Bassett’s energetic performance as Norman added to the fun and mayhem.
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