Review: A Kick in the Baubles by Yeadon Amateurs at Yeadon Town Hall

IT’S another peaceful Christmas in the Bailey household, but chestnuts aren’t roasting on an open fire. And although a Silent Night would be welcome, all is not calm and all is certainly not bright.

Frank does not wish it could be Christmas every day - in fact, he’s dreading the arrival of snobbish in-laws who only ever bring a single bottle of wine for the entire festivities. Throw in a couple of larger-than-life neighbours, let the drink flow merrily, and everything is set for a car-crash Christmas. But when Frank and Jean’s estranged daughter Milly suddenly appears, the rug is pulled out from underneath the chaos and the heartstrings are firmly tugged.

This latest production from Yeadon Amateurs is being played out at Yeadon Town Hall this week. I must mention at the outset that the play contains adult language throughout its length in case anyone is thinking of taking youngsters to see it over the next three nights that it is being performed.

John Kitching as Frank and Sally Holmes as Jean are on stage for virtually all the play and must be commended for their excellent performances. They work extremely well together and there is great chemistry between them. They are well supported by Doreen Seaman and Jonathan Spry as Doreen and Harry, Jean’s sister and brother in law. Much humour is supplied by Dean Patrick as Gary the neighbour, particularly with his karaoke performances of various Queen songs. Glamour is provided by Carrie Leggett as Julie, Gary’s well-endowed wife who is lusted after by Harry. Cat Darnborough plays the minor role of Alex, Doreen and Harry’s daughter and Holly Pennington and Tom Clayton have the other two supporting roles of Milly, Frank and Jean’s daughter and Darren her boyfriend.

The set of Frank and Jean’s living room and kitchen has been designed and constructed by Sarah and Keith Darnborough and this is a typical home decorated for Christmas. Plaudits must go to Kath Williams for her direction of the play which moves at a fairly good pace throughout.

There are some tickets left for the final three performances of the play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. These can be obtained on line at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/yaods, by ringing 07505239597 or at the Town Hall Box Office on the night.

by John Burland