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A Kick In The Baubles

Published Thursday 29 December 2005 at 11:05 by Kevin Berry

Gordon Steel’s new play might tread expected paths but it is the way the paths are trod that makes it so very good and so very enjoyable.

“A typical family Christmas” was one comment heard on press night. Heard at least six times, in between gales of laughter. That comment sums up the appeal of this play. It is the comedy of familiar people and familiar situations.

Frank does not enjoy the fuss of Christmas. Wife Jean makes the effort and she enjoys the fuss. Expected and unexpected visitors drop in on Christmas Day and there is a heartening reunion with the couple’s estranged daughter.

The comedy is rich and consistently effective. A downright rude but absolutely hilarious line about alphabet soup is sure to be repeated around Hull and Humberside throughout the festive season. Frank’s comment, “I never knew what happiness was until I married you, Jean” is delivered with smiling irony but we know that he loves her.

Frank is played by that fine actor Robert Hudson. His judgement of lines is exemplary and his character dictates much of the comedy. Jackie Lye, as his wife, reacts wonderfully to his curmudgeonly outbursts.

Annoyingly loud neighbour Chris Connel brings the house completely down with his every entrance. Natalie Blades plays three quite diverse characters, including the estranged daughter, with thorough attention to detail.

A Kick in the Baubles is about Christmas but it makes perfect escapist entertainment. It will finance Gordon Steel’s Christmas present buying for a good many years.

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