The many setbacks this theatre group has had to contend with would normally have brought a small society such as OLT to their knees.

The good old tradition of the show must go on could certainly be their motto.

Against all odds they are still going strong however their latest setback had them having to cancel the original February date for this show as the leading man had to drop out.

Paul Glover stepped into the role of Justin allowing the play to go ahead at this later date.

Roleplay' is the final play of a trilogy entitled Damsels in Distress' by Alan Ayckbourn.

There are at least two damsels in distress in Roleplay' - the rather mousy Julie who lives with her partner Justin and lap dancer Paige who has obviously been knocked about and is followed everywhere by a minder with a gun.

The cast of seven are all excellent each playing their characters with skill.

We feel sorry for the mousy Julie, excellently played by Gill Coverdale. Justin is played well by Paul Glover. Julie loves him so much but is dominated by parents Derek and Dee, very good performances here by Nick Simpson and Lynda Whitehead.

Tricia Commons was a spir-ited Paige who Justin in the end disappears with rather than face life with Julie and her parents.

Marjorie Inman as Justin's flamboyant, booze guzzling mum has some of the best lines in the show and makes the most of them. She generally causes mayhem.

Last but not least Steve Millward as minder Ricky gives a nicely controlled performance.

There was a good set with limitations because of fire restrictions at The Civic Centre.

It was certainly a well directed and interesting play. Direction was by Roger Thomas.

OLT in association with Otley Brass Band will present Brassed Off' next October.

8:42am Thursday 1st May 2008

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