Phoenix Players

Arts Centre 

Old Town

Swindon

The Phoenix Players presents Ken Ludwig's brilliantly written play, 'Lend Me A Tenor' at the Arts Centre this week.

Directed by Colin Wilkins, 'Lend Me a Tenor,' is a funny, almost farcical, comedy set in a hotel suite in Cleveland, Ohio, USA in 1934.

Henry Saunders, played superbly by Nic Gratton, is the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, and is anxiously waiting to welcome Tito Merelli, played by Courtenay Merchant, a world famous opera tenor, known as "Il Stupendo."

Courtenay has the ability to make this character entirely believable. His comic timing, singing and facial expression were so right for the role. His Italian accent never wavered.

Saunders harried assistant Max, Martin Whiteley, is charged with seeing to Merelli's every need. He also needs to get him to the opera house in plenty of time for his performance.

Martin had all the right credentials for this role, including his singing voice. Maggie Saunders, Henry's daughter, played delightfully by Emma Palmer, has a certain soft spot for ll Stupendo, and isn't shy in telling her sometime boyfriend Max all about it.

Due to his love of food, and other things, Merelli arrives late at the hotel, with his hot-tempered Italian wife, Maria, Steph Trinci, who nags him to take his pills. Sometimes these smaller roles can be very memorable, as in this case - and for all the right reasons.

When Tito learns that Max is an aspiring opera singer, he gives him an impromptu singing lesson. In return Max does his duty and fixes Tito a calming drink ahead of his performance  but that mixed with his pills.......well, that is when the chaos starts.

The cast includes Diana, played by the sultry Nicky Ashdown, a full on sexy seductress who is also a 'star' singer with the Cleveland Opera Guild.

Julia, played by Margaret Price, who is always one to watch, was the outlandish and self-important chairwoman of the Cleveland Opera Guild.

Last but by no means least was the bellhop, Mark Harris, who made me laugh out loud. He creates havoc throughout  this truly madcap comedy. Lend Me A Tenner has more than a touch of farce about it and it was played out by a very talented cast with good direction.

It was a truly wonderful evening of entertainment and the audience loved it and so did I.

Ros Hollands.