The Good Doctor by Neil Simon

Review by Geoffrey Wildey

They say you are only as good as your last production. Well, WHAT a production The Good Doctor turned out to be. This mixture of short plays written by Neil Simon, based on the works of Anton Chekhov and directed by Paul Loveless not only drew in the crowds, but received a fantastic review, a copy of which you can see below: -

What a wonderful evening Teignmouth Players presented at the Ice Factory. A series of classical vignettes based upon a collection of short stories by Anton Chekhov and turned into a comic masterpiece by Neil Simon, in which Paul Loveless directed a talented cast of five to perfection.

Gordon Mellor portrayed his narrator/writer with charismatic ease throughout together with some poignant sequences, particularly ‘Too late For happiness’.

For his debut appearance at the Ice factory David Gent proved a tremendous asset to the team, ranging from a gout-ridden Bank Manager to a father educating his son in the ways of the world. All with great panache.

Also making her debut with the Players is Patricia Angove who gave a display of her acting skills in a wide variety of characters.

Jaz Wyer-Brown played her selection of characters with tremendous conviction. From the young wife, the ‘drowning’ con-man, her theatrical audtion (a masterpiece) and her ‘lady of the night’ were all memorable.

Last, but by no means least, Lewis Bird played the juvenile male roles. He needed at times to relax into his roles to make them more thoroughly convincing. But his immature son portrayal and his locum dentist were his best roles.

Paul Loveless’ simple studio theatre staging was a great success, helped by the simple yet ingenious set design and effective lighting. The adaptation of costumes for each scene proved appropriate for the characters portrayed.

Thank you Teignmouth Players for a most entertaining and interesting evening. Geoffrey Wildey.