REVIEW Curtain Call by the Phoenix Players, Arts Centre Swindon, until Saturday

THE Phoenix Players’ latest production at the Arts Centre this week is the comedy play, Curtain Call, written by Bettine Manktelow, a playwright I hadn’t heard of, so I didn’t know what to expect.
I wasn’t disappointed, either by the script or the players themselves.
As always, a splendid set, designed and built by the company, greeted the audience on the opening curtain and set the scene for an entertaining evening. The play takes place in a theatre manager’s office and the comedy takes you through what I hope is a very untypical day in such a place. To say more would be unfair to other audiences.
The leading players in this production once again gave their all. Nicholas Gratton played the hapless theatre manager Alec, and I have never seen a role played anything but perfectly by this actor.
Stephanie Trinci, who played the chairman of the theatre trust’s wife, Dori, came into her own in this role. Her was a part well-played and believable; her character never wavering from start to finish. I loved the way she used facial expression throughout, including right at the end when she used it to good effect after a malfunction with a piece of scenery, namely a door, during a line that fitted perfectly. Applause from the audience showed that they loved it too.
The sterling cast, including Clare Brown, Alex Pitcher, Sandra Gilbert, Ann E Despres and Mark Harris, as Clarence, all gave good performances. 
I must make special mention of Mel Roberts, as Rita. This diminutive young lady is a very talented, natural actress and sometimes the smaller roles are those you remember.
This was once again an enjoyable and entertaining evening from the Players. - Ros Hollands