Marplot

Dense, archaic text and tricky accents don’t make for an easy evening of community theatre, so I fear that Bedford Players was perhaps overly ambitious in taking on the 18th Century comedy Marplot, The Busy Body. With its long run time, multiple scenes and large cast, this play is a far cry from BP’s regular single-set bedroom farces. Still, the costumes are lovely, and there are moments of real humour and energy (particularly in the scenes involving physical comedy) to enliven the evening. Bryn Rowlands shines as the covetous Sir Francis Gripe and Robin Saywood (who has the distinct advantages of having a genuine accent) does a fine job as the titular busy body. As an interesting note, Marplot was last played in Halifax in 1818 as part of a double bill that would run well past midnight.