Love on the Links, Salisbury Playhouse

THE “Summer Show” genre has all but disappeared, but its demise doesn’t stop an audience richly enjoying a feel-good, lightweight summery romp – and that’s just what they get with Love on the Links, a new play adapted from the words of PG Wodehouse, on in Salisbury until 23rd June.

After a week of violent rain and impending lightning, Jon Glover and Edward Taylor’s new show, directed by Ryan McBryde is just the ticket.  Set in the 19th Hole, James Button’s set overlooks the links, spread across the wide open spaces of the Playhouse. Its period detail and abundance of steps and door allow the versatile and energetic cast to give their all as they try to warn new member Jack of the perils of over-golfing.

It’s not quite as frantic as the “plays that go wrong”, but no less inventive, both verbally and physically.

There are many moments to cherish, from the fast-growing crocodile through the faux-African language of the arch-explorer and the twinkling eyes of a love-struck maiden to the dastardly deeds of a  scheming poet … and many more.

Michael Fenton Stevens runs the whole shebang as the thirsty Oldest Member, with Adam Jackson-Smith as the hopeful suitor Jack. Tim Frances spends most of his time as the grumpy barman, but fills in where the stories demand. The rest of the excellent company – Jenna Boyd, Tiffany Graves, David Shelley and Rob Witcombe – play multiple roles with consummate skill, quickly etching details of characterisation into the memory.

It’s a perfect summer play, so grasp the chance of seeing it. It is set in 1938, so there’s not much time …

GP-W

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