Originally published on Northumberland News

As I’m sure you know, Provence is on the French Riviera, where the rich, wannabe rich, famous and not at all famous, own or rent luxury villas or suites for exorbitant sums in order to get a fix of sun, sea and amazing food. And, of course, a chance to show off, to, mingle with, gape at, or hob nob.

Novelist, screenwriter and playwright Robin Hawdon is noted all over the world for his comedies. “A Night in Provence” is one of the most famous and most loved and definitely the most farcical.

The Northumberland Players production, which is directed by the inimitable Jack Boyagian and produced by the multitalented Victor Svenningson — whose first shot at producing is a major success — is an absolute treat and will have you in hysterics from beginning to the brilliantly performed end. Actually, the whole play is brilliantly performed, which, of course, will come as no surprise to NP fans.

The play begins with the arrival of a couple from England who have rented this sumptuous place in Provence. They have rented it with another couple who will arrive shortly. It is expensively decorated and furnished, has a well-stocked kitchen, a view of the sea and a pool.

However, there is a surprise in store: the French owners of the villa were not informed by the agent of the booking and show up to spend some time there. They are horrified to find renters all moved in, (and to their bedroom no less) and even more so when the other couple arrives. From Ireland. The European Union is in residence.

When you add copious champagne, sexual impulses and cultural differences, you have mayhem. Our actors: Claire Rowett, Henry Hawkes, Kim Brouwer, Neil Torrie, Nikki Parks and Ian Slessor are brilliant at portraying the hypocrisy, lust, revenge, love and adultery of the three disparate couples. It will have you belly laughing.

As usual, it’s impossible to mention all the names of the amazing volunteers behind the scenes. They truly are an inimitable group of dedicated people who never fail to deliver: the set, the props, the lighting, the sound, the costumes and everything that goes with all those effects. Brilliant.

Selena Forsyth, Northumberland News