Boisterous romp was a top-notch performance (From Salisbury Journal)

Boisterous romp was a top-notch performance

11:00am Thursday 30th July 2009 in Entertainments

TOM JONES, MASKERS THEATRE COMPANY, HAMPTWORTH LODGE

AT the outset, we were warned there would be acts of violence and scenes of a sexual nature.

Much to our delight, that is exactly what we got as Henry Fielding’s boisterous tale of the original man behaving badly unfolded on the archery lawn at Hamptworth Lodge.

Debauchery, swordplay, fisticuffs and frantic disrobing abounded as Maskers’ fast and furiously funny production took us from Tom’s uncertain beginnings to a happy, firework-fuelled end in the arms of his sweetheart.

Everything about this production was top-notch – glorious setting, immaculate organisation both backstage and front of house, technical precision and wonderful performances.

Director Ken Hann invested the rough and tumble with huge energy, great pace and plenty of comic business handled adeptly by his talented cast and, on top of that, he turned in a small, but perfectly formed, cameo as the constable.

The title role demands a first rate performer and found it in Rob Praine, who was superb as the loveable rogue whose love for Sophia (sweetly played by Eleanor Marsden) is nearly scuppered by nasty nephews and libidinous ladies. His command of the stage was exceptional, his comic timing perfect and his connection with the audience immediate as he took nearly as many liberties with the front rows of the audience as he did with the willing wenches on stage.

Among the latter, Joanna Russel shone as saucy Molly. Philippa Burt’s voluptuous Mrs Waters, Rachael Courage’s devious Mrs Fitzpatrick and Brian Stansbridge’s effete Lord Fellamar also stood out, and the always excellent John Souter was on top form as bibulous Squire Western.

All in all, a roistering romp to chase away the stormiest July clouds.

- Lesley Bates