FALCON PLAYERS' next production at Stanford from Wednesday to Saturday next, is the romping, side-splitting farce by Derek Benfield, 'Post Horn Gallop'. This play is the sequel to 'Wild Goose Chase' which the Players presented some time ago., and once again the endearingly dim-witted Chester Dreadnought is hounded around Elrood Castle by those dreaded convists Capone and Wedgewood fresh from a quiet spell in clink.
Life at Elrood Castle never was quiet. Lore Elrood himself makes certain of that by defending the ramparts against all comers with his ever ready shot gun, while Lady Elrood tries against all odds to preserve an air of sanity. The caselt is opened to the public; and Miss Partridge, the life and soul of the village, has been invited to act as guide, a job she tackles, with unconcealed relish.
Chester Dreadnought, who married the Elrood's daughter, Patricia, and has his own reasons for avoiding Capone and Wedgewood, can do little about it when they turn up for a conducted tour along with Bert and Maggie, a couple somewhat reminiscent of the Garnett's who visit Elrood Castle in search of colture.
Trouble enough one might think, but there is more in store when George Willis arrives to camp in the grounds complete with a troop of Scouts, not to mention the antics of Ada the maid who always fancied Chester herself and does little to conceal her disappointment.
Heading the case is Lawrence Holmes, as Chester Dreadnought, in a part demanding agility and timing. Shirley Schofield appears as Patricia Chester's wife, and daughter of Lord and Lady Elrood. Lord Elrood, forgetful as ever, is played by Christopher Deavin with his usual drive and attention to detail, and Kay Donatti as Lady Elrood has the opportunity to show her natural charm in a part different from her previous roles with this company.
Patricia Kirton as Ada the maid is once again cast in a part which makes good use of her talents as a comedienne. Miss Partridge is portrayed by Jill Pritchard, who is sure to giva a convincing performance in this character role. Janet, E. Bowles and Roy Emmett make a perfect comedy team as Bert and Maggie, while James Addleton and John Baker appear as Capone and Wedgewood. The cast is complete with Bill Pritchard playing George Willis, Scout Master extraordinary.
In short, a play which sounds too good to be missed, directed by Edward Sharpe with settings by Robert A. Smithurst and as usual, David Newitt on the Stanford Theatre organ.