In John Dole’s play, David’s (John Bennett) Italian penpal, Mario, is coming to stay, so his wife Kate (Hazel Hancock) goes to her mother’s to leave them to practise their languages in peace. When the penpal turns out to be a shapely brunette named Maria, David is in big trouble, not least because Maria has smuggled in a packet of diamonds. The flat is soon besieged with assorted gangsters, a lady plumber, a curate, the police and an angry Kate!
Eileen White produces, possibly her first attempt? The set included a bathroom complete with a sink
Rachel Skinn “came out of retirement” to play Mrs Macwhimble, although it’s her last appearance. Deborah Hester “held the attention of the men in the audience as the dishy Italian penpal, wandering around in black brief underwear”. She also had tuition from Fiona for her Italian accent! Jonathan Hester made a guest appearance as a policeman, alongside Tony Wood. Andy Granger joins, doing Lighting and Effects. He’d joined Panto last year and he’s still involved with both groups!
Alistair Codona had multiple parts – taxi-driver, bumbling burglar, postman and Keystone-style policeman – all apparently having trouble with over-large hats
