Anita Dunster reviews the Salcombe Players latest performance of ‘Seperate Tables’ at Cliff House.

Having readily agreed to review a performance of Salcombe Players’ Spring production of “Separate Tables” by the distinguished playwright Terence Rattigan, I had idly wondered how the notoriously ‘bijou’ stage at Cliff House, could turn itself into a believable hotel dining room, with at least seven ‘separate’ tables with accompanying seating!

I need not have had a moments doubt!

In the imaginative hands of the Company’s most accomplished set designer, Hilary Auty, and with just the right furniture and props, Bournemouth’s select Beauregard Private Hotel appeared in all it’s authentic 1950’s detail, accompanied by Vic Damone singing the title song.

For any type of material to stand the test of time, it requires both warp and weft.

The stronger ‘warp’ characters of the constantly attentive and cheerful Hotel proprietor, Miss Cooper, her long term guests, the stunningly –gowned domineering Mrs Railton-Bell and the publicly-disgraced, ex-jail bird and Labour Politician, Mr Malcolm, were superbly portrayed with style and total conviction by the experienced and accomplished actors; Lindy Sinnott, Jackie Hodges and Ian Dundas respectively.

Adding pathos to the mix, the ‘weft’ characters threaded themselves through the twists and turns of the storylines.

So, we meet the gentile but timid Lady Mathison (Pam Axtell) in thrall to Mrs Railton-Bell; eager, horse-racing enthusiast, Miss Meacham (Liz Powell); the one-time ‘renowned’ Miss Fowler, whose ‘expected visitors’ never materialise, plus would-be Doctor, Charles Stratton and his critical but determined ‘fiancee’ Miss Tanner (Nathan Tabiner and Belle Stallard). Together, they complete the residents.

All the characters were well-defined and believable as gradually, during conversation, each brought out the underlying theme of the play - How to survive the all -consuming despair of loneliness, without actually admitting to it, either privately or publicly.

Miss Cooper, who understands them all, more than they know, herself being lonely, acts as a buffer between them – assisted by her chirpy, ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ maid, Doreen. Played to perfection by Kirsty Bonner, she see’s to their various mealtime requirements, with just a ‘hint’ of favouritism and the odd acerbic comment! Lovely touches of comedy.

Into this mix during Act One, arrives, the always consummate performer, Christine Bonner, as new and glamorous guest (and therefore a topic for speculation) - Mrs Shankland.

She, it transpires, is the ex-battered wife of the aforementioned Politician and it seems she has ditched husband number two and set her sights on effecting a reconciliation with her first love!

Not a welcome prospect for Miss Cooper, as it happens as after they leave, she is alone again.

The seamless scene changing from dining room to lounge and back again three times was down to the well-rehearsed partnership of Pam and Peter Bennett and Mike and Wendy Read and was impressive. The faultless lighting, and sound were safe in the practised hands of Ben Sinnott and Mike Carter as was the nostalgic music of the period, during the interval.

Act Two takes place 18 months later and we perceive that Dr and Mrs Stratton are now parents with a young baby, who is not proving conducive to his father’s still- ongoing medical studies!

The previously referred to but not yet seen resident ‘Major’ Pollock ( another ‘warp’ thread, wonderfully characterised by Tony Axtell) becomes the new and shocking topic of conversation, as he desperately tries, but fails, to prevent the newspaper reports of his scandalous ‘sexploits’ from being read by his fellow guests. His remorse is great as he prepares to leave.

Enter now too, the pitifully repressed Sybil, unfortunate spinster daughter of the increasingly unlikeable and sanctimonious Mrs Railton-Bell.

Having secretly harboured a growing fondness for the now disgraced and bogus Major, she goes through the emotions of disgust and shock but eventually becomes his unlikely champion, in the face of her vitriolic mother and gaining her own freedom from maternal domination, in doing so. Brilliantly acted by the very talented Sarah Montague, she earned total approval from the audience, as the ‘worm’ well and truly turned!

Little by little, ruffled feathers are soothed by the kindliness, forbearance and wisdom of Miss Cooper and the ‘Status Quo’ is restored, with more winners than losers.

Breathed into life with impeccable direction by the evergreen Wendy Morrall, who brings years of theatrical experience to every production she is involved with, this was a thought provoking reflection of the class divides and inflexible values of the day, with little room or understanding for those who didn’t conform to life’s set pattern.

As always, this was high class entertainment by a splendid society of talented people who always give value and pleasure.