AN EVENING OF GLASGOW HUMOUR:

Performed at Cumbernauld Theatre, 27th & 28th February 1998

YOU'RE LOOKING OLD TONIGHT

Written by George H Cummings

Directed by Derek Green

IN A SPIN

Written by Richard Hodge

Directed by Stephanie Dodds

THE LOOKALIKE

Written by John Watson

Directed by Allan McPhail

WHAT THE PAPERS SAID...

THREE AND EASY FOR APEX

Cumbernauld Theatre rocked with laughter at the weekend when the Apex Players presented "An Evening of Glasgow Humour", three one act comedies which had the audience in stitches.

The opening night on Friday was virtually a full house - and the audience were not disappointed.  Apex were on to a winner with this selection.

The opener, "You're Looking Old Tonight", poked fun at the West of Scotland's religious divide.  It was directed by Derek Green, who also took a starring role as Tom, a Catholic who invites his Orange boss round to the house to try to curry favour with him.  Unfortunately, it's also Tom's wedding anniversary, and things get complicated by the unexpected arrival of the new parish priest!

Derek carried off his role well, aided by Stephanie Dodds as his long-suffering wife Elizabeth, with a great line in put-downs.  Her interaction with Marilyn (Ann Wilson), the boss's status-conscious wife, was hilarious.  Peter Capaldi got just as many laughs as John, Tom's boss.  His face was a picture when the door was opened by Father McNally (James Keenan).  Pamela McPhail was excellent as Auntie Nan, the household embarrassment, and Janice Gordon completed the line up as Sister Marie Theresa.

"In a Spin", directed by Stephanie Dodds, was set in a launderette held up by gormless gunman Johnny (James Keenan), who mistakes it for a bank and then proceeds to take the occupants hostage when police arrive.

Lynn Robertson shone as the loud mouthed manageress, who manages to antagonise the other hostages as well as the failed bank robber.  Ann Wilson was in good form as a sympathetic customer, while Alan Peebles was effective as a washing machine engineer who tries the calm the situation down.  Joe Thomson was convincing as a young man who eventually, or so he thinks, resolves the situation.

The twist at the end was interesting, with Johnny not so stupid as everyone thought.

The final offering, "The Lookalike", directed by Allan McPhail, dealt with (very) amateur playwright Andra Robertson's efforts to produce a drama on the life of Marilyn Monroe.  However, the cast of this masterpiece discover in rehearsals that Andra's script does not quite square with the facts.

Joe Thomson held the stage as Andra, who gradually crumbles, as does his cast, under the assaults of know-it-all Mrs Moodie (Lynn Robertson).  Anne Gray was superb as Uphie, not too happy with her role as Marilyn in Andra's production.  Betty Naismith and Carol Finlay were in good form as Sara and Wendy, scathing and catty about Andra's efforts, and Robert Grice got plenty of laughs as the not too bright Shug.

Apex excelled in this fast and funny night of comedy.  On this form, many a professional company could learn a thing or two from Apex.

Cumbernauld news, March 4 1998