Evening Telegraph, 1965

A lively and amusing bed of roses

RUSHDEN Dramatic Society last night maintained its reputation for producing lively entertainment when they presented the amusing comedy, "Bed of Roses" by Falkland Cary, at Rushden Secondary School for Boys.

The play is repeated tonight and tomorrow.

The cast carried off the show with expertise reminiscent of the Whitehall Theatre. Produced by Renee Welsford and highlighted by a number of proficient designers, Bed O'Roses is a family comedy, touching on the farcical, that always nudges the audience with a timely quip.

The society gave the play everything it demanded of them and, although at times a little slow, the players combined well together in taking advantage of the opportunities the play offered.      

TRANSFORMATION

John Booth as Mat Pickersgill, the head of the family, showed off his character determinedly and successfully. The transformation from passive husband domineered by his wife to the activated romantic with an aim was amply expressed.

Opposite him was Lily Hawes as Rose, his wife. She almost persuaded me that she was the nastiest person in the play until she succumbed to the arms of her ever loving husband.

She bickered and bantered with a stupidity and naivety that was really authentic.

Her daughter, Sheila Hawes, who played one of her daughters, captured the air of a young and cheeky girl with little difficulty and added her own brand of humour to the main plot.

HOPELESS

Judith Childs, as Jenny, the elder daughter, is easily recognisable as the rather hopeless and proud young miss whose romances are the lifeblood of the play.

Her boyfriends are well portrayed by Robert King and John Denton as Basil Graves and Bob Huggins respectively. Their fight scene is highly commendable, cleverly alternating between the sublime and the ridiculous.

I was delighted to see Bob Huggins fall for the desirable May Rossiter, played by Angela Laughton, his leers made an amusing sidetrack.

Not to be forgotten is Margery Witham as Mrs. Blisden, the housekeeper, and Allen Goulsbra as the quiet but sharp Irish Dr. Raheny, who contributes greatly to the finale.

In the audience last night was Mr. G. Gordon, the County Drama Adviser. Mr. Gordon described the presentation as "a nice bit of team­work." He particularly mentioned the good timing and said it was an excellent comedy”.

Guest last night was the Mayor of Higham Ferrers, Mr. H. O. Butler.  

TR