Season's Greetings			Download the programme.
Fond farewell Players' stalwart bows out on a high
On a cool and wet summer evening, it was surprising but warming to find Christmas created in magnificent detail. Grasmere Players’ production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Season’s Greetings benefits not only from faultless sparky dialogue but a talented back stage production team, an ensemble cast and the skilful hand of director Margaret Hughes.
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		The play opens at the home of Neville (superb relaxed characterization from Denis Henderson) and his wife Belinda (strongly acted by Judith Henderson) as members of the family and close friends gather together for Christmas festivities. Ayckbourn’s characters are never straight forward, and the gathering of supposed festivity soon unleashes underlying tensions and difficulties.
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As misunderstandings and grievances develop, with mounting comic effect, we are rapidly absorbed into four intense winter days. We first see Uncle Harvey, a retired a security officer still excited by aggression and violence. Played with underlying menace by Andrew Saalmans, he cannot resist sparring with Bernard, ineffective doctor and husband of dippy wife Phyllis (Elaine Nelson relishing her role).
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		Bernard’s tradition of performing a puppet show for the offstage children of the cast, is an ongoing bone of contention and when it finally happens, it is hugely enjoyed by the audience as Hugh Wright throws himself into the role with gusto. Moira Rowlinson plays the perpetually disappointed and gentle sister Phyllis with insight and pathos, waiting in anticipation for the arrival of the mysterious romantic writer Clive (Dennis Bland, bringing the right amount of uncertainty but bravado to the role).
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Trevor Eastes convinces as Eddie, a loyal but needy friend of Neville and difficult husband of Pattie, his very pregnant wife (a complex role tackled well by Jacquie Wallace). The wonderful end to Act One carries the tension and pace through to Act Two and culminates in the perfectly timed finale, which, as the critics say it would be unfair to reveal. So, switch off the TV and get a ticket. You won’t be disappointed.
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Pam Williamson The Westmorland Gazette, Friday 29th June 2008.