Holiday Snaps, Kelsick Centre, Ambleside

THIS year’s Ambleside Players spring production was Holiday Snaps, five one act plays with a holiday theme. We went from a luxury cruiser, where gin swigging Doris takes pleasure in hiding a stowaway, to a tent where two friends are spending their first night camping together, to another taut evening as four friends meet to look over holiday snaps whilst two of their number are fearfully awaiting their exposure.

We also visited an airport lounge where an opinionated holiday maker shared his firmly held views with anyone willing to sit next to him for long enough, and finished up in a Greek taverner whilst a young woman with a burst car tyre, failed to cross the communication barrier with the local villagers as she tried to get help.

What a diverse feast of entertainment it was, celebrating the nuances of human behaviour in such an amusing way.

The audience flanked the players on three sides, making it an intimate setting, and it was easy to observe just how engaged everyone was. The regular chuckles and appreciative nods and smiles were testimony to folks enjoyment.

Everything about the evenings performance was to be applauded, from the skilful scene changes, the imaginative use of minimal props which set the scene for each act, to the crisp timing of each performance. And the two intervals gave folks an extra opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine, served by the friendly hospitality team, and discuss the Holiday Snaps with neighbours.

It was great to see so many talented people involved in the production. Including extras, 21 actors took to the stage; and what a joy it was to see a good number young actors taking part in the production.

Well done to director, Trish Donson, the actors, the front of house and back stage teams, and thank you to everyone who made it such a good evening.

Helen Minton