Large audiences responded warmly to the Clarendon Players’ entertaining Alan Ayckbourn production last week.

Director Karen Smith was assisted by Charlotte Pracy-Nyman, Justin (Neil Edwards) and Julie-Anne (Fiona Jacobs) plan to announce their engagement at a dinner party in Justin’s riverside flat.

Justin is a few years older than his excited fiancee, who is busily planning the perfect evening at which their respective parents will meet for the first time. Plans go awry when former lap dancer Paige (Wendy Mitchell) and her silent, menacing minder Mickey (Bradley Cowtan) arrive unannounced, and seem very reluctant to leave.

The most outstanding performances were by the intended guests.

Julie-Anne’s over-protective, doting parents – pompous garden centre proprietor Derek and his wife Dee – were played brilliantly by newcomer Alisair Aitken and Paula Clifford. Rosemary Crayford, as Arabella, Justin’s dipsomaniac mother, vague and disorientated, provided a wonderful contrast.

A well-constructed set, excellent sound effects and well-chosen costume set the seal on a successful show, although a reflected spotlight was distracting for some of the audience.

The players’ next show, Ray Cooney’s comedy Caught in the Net, will be at the Memorial Hall from June 12-14.