ALISON CROOSE Downham Market Town Hall

ALISON CROOSE

Downham Amateur Dramatic Society chose this engaging Restoration romp for its second venture into musical theatre.

Henry Fielding's comedy of manners set in 1730 has been embellished with music by Laurie Johnson and lyrics by Lionel Bart.

By current standards it would not pass a test for political correctness, but that did not stop this boisterous and bawdy romp from providing a lively evening's entertainment.

The musical play presents am dram societies with a challenge, grasped by producer Janet Roust, whose imaginative direction ensured the superbly costumed and visually exciting show exploited all the opportunities for humour in the illicit encounters and mistaken identities.

The cast maintained the momentum on a very effective set and crucial to the success was the stalwart piano accompaniment of musical director Sandra Woods. Musical highlights included The Gentle Art of Seduction, When Does The Ravishing Begin and the title song.

Richard Abel as the corrupt judge Squeezum and Elaine Johnson as his coquettish wife, led by example, ensuring maximum fun from the musical numbers. There was strong support from the cast, especially Len Lendrem, Peter Duhig and Michelle Clegg.