Review: Hospital Players gives a dose of seasonal humour at Scunthorpe's Plowright Theatre

A Kick In The Baubles by Gordon Steel is advertised as an hilarious seasonal comedy and The Hospital Players performance currently being performed at the Scunthorpe Plowright Theatre in Laneham Street is certainly that, writes Jeanine Guy from The South Bank Players.

This play is not your traditional "chestnut roasting on an open fire", type of Christmas play, but more a well-paced Christmas cracker of a show. The play is a well-cast and interpreted comedy, brought to life by a talented cast and superbly directed by Nikki Pontin.

The chaos that family Christmas gatherings can bring was brought to life by the excellent characterization and timing of the cast. Watching Frank (Andy Pontin) and Jean (Ali Newell) go about their Christmas preparations (even at 5am in Asda!) makes perfect escapist entertainment as you liken them to familiar people and situations. Add to this cocktail the interruption by noisy and dysfunctional neighbours, Gary (Stewart Robertson) and his almost pregnant girlfriend Julie (Elizabeth Hempstock) insistent on introducing an element of competitive karaoke and the play assumes yet another manic dimension. With the usual dose of relatives, Jean's sister Doreen (Jan Gregory) whose recent Greek holidays have given her a taste for fetish cheese, husband Harry (Graham Wells) who only buys items with a "k" in the price tag (eg his new speedboat which only cost 30k!) and their delightfully dim daughter Alex, beautifully played by Grace Barley.

Throw in a final twist as Milly (Sarah Stanley) and new boyfriend Darren (Jake West) make an appearance – what else could possibly happen? Well I could tell you, but you really should see this show for yourself, you will not be disappointed with this post-Christmas cracker!!

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Everyone involved in this production deserves a big pat on the back for providing an evening of such fun and hilarity, they certainly "jingled the audiences bells".

A Kick In The Baubles runs at the Plowright Theatre from now until Saturday, January 26 2013. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10. For tickets, call the box office on 0844 8542776. The play contains some strong language.