Joining the queue to enter the Bilton Theatre on Wednesday evening, for Bilton Amateur Dramatic Society’s (BADS), production, Five Shorts & A One-Act Play, it was obvious this talented group of performers had, once again, succeeded in drawing in the crowds.
No mean feat for a society that is over 70 years old!
After showing my ticket, giving my drink order (tea or coffee, plus biscuits, included in the £10 ticket price), I took my seat on Row G and waited for curtain up.
First up, The Pub Play or “Did We Win?”, a comedy by Doc Watson, featured befuddled playwright (Patrick Wilkinson) who, while trying to write an award-winning play, ropes in an equally befuddled actress (Ailsa Oliver) to achieve his goal. Pub-goer Nick Northcott-Orr ends up just as befuddled as the other two after being roped in as an extra.
In one surprising and truly amusing scene, the “actress” rips off her skirt Bucks Fizz Eurovision Song Contest-style, to reveal a shapely pair of legs, encased in fishnet tights. Ooh la la.
Scott Carpenter’s tale, Strangers When We Meet, followed, with Malcolm (Andrew Blake) joined on a park bench by Eira (Mandy Grimston), as if on a first “date”.
Presenting Eira with a bunch of carnations, her “favourites”, the couple, in their sixties, get chatting, with Eira reminiscing about meeting a young musician who, years ago, played in the park’s bandstand.
As events unfold, it is clear the couple aren’t strangers at all. A poignant yet uplifting tale of everlasting love.
Then the pace quickened as Roy (Jordan Lill) and Tom (Nick Northcott-Orr) fought for the affections of a woman both had met fleetingly at their local supermarket.
Triangles, by Nigel Pocknell, sees the pair seated at a restaurant table, where they had both arranged to meet the lady of their dreams. She walks in and, in a flourish, reveals her profession, making it obvious to both men the sight of the diamond rings they had purchased for her have led to a huge misunderstanding on her part.
The fourth short on the night, titled Line Dancing was written by Jan Sprenger, but doesn’t feature one dance step, just Evelyn (Carol Moxon) trying to cheer up her morose friend June (Ailsa Oliver).
Evelyn, resplendent in line-dancing gear, including cowboy hat, sympathises with her pal, but brings along a spare cowboy hat in the hopes it will entice her to start living again after the loss of her husband (we assume). But does she succeed?
Before the interval we were treated to a really funny comedy that had everyone laughing out loud throughout. It was definitely the hit of the evening, judging by the audience’s reaction.
All the action in Slimmers’ Planet, written by Jamesine Cundell Walker, takes place on a park bench and features prolific, but unsuccessful, slimmer Lorna (Carol Hawxwell) and middle-aged Martin (Andrew Blake) who is on a blind date. Martin unwittingly gets drawn into Lorna’s magnetic personality. But does he get to share the huge bar of chocolate she produces later on?
Refreshed after the interval, it was time for the one-act comedy, Gate Thirteen. Written by Tony Frier, six performers graced the stage – set out like the departure lounge of an airport.
Couples, Pauline (Helen Davison) and Derek (Nick Northcott-Orr) and Julie (Rachel Lawson) and Gary (Jordan Lill) try to out-boast each other re their hotel accommodation in Marrakech. Ear pod-wearing back-packer Carrie (Cora Gerrard) is oblivious to their shenanigans at first.
However, a glimpse of her handcuffs reveal she isn’t just a pretty face. But, as it turns out, Julie and Gary aren’t squeaky clean either.
Meanwhile, the identity of the mysterious and quiet Jon “without the h” (Patrick Wilkinson) is revealed at the very end.
All in all, Five Shorts & A One Act Play shows us just how versatile these amateur thespians are.
Obviously, time-wise, the stage setting couldn’t vary too much, so tables, chairs, benches fitted the bill for all events, as did the costumes – casual at times, smart at others.
I was really impressed with the quality of the scripts that featured such differing storylines, each keeping us guessing to the final words spoken.
Talking of spoken words, I often had to strain to hear certain voices that didn’t seem to carry well. That’s my only gripe, but worth mentioning, I feel.
All in all, this amazing little society, based on the outskirts of Hull, successfully overcame the challenge of enacting multi performances and gave us in the packed hall, a very enjoyable night’s entertainment.
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 4th June 2025
North West End UK Rating: