Hearty congratulations are sent to the Ton Pentre Women’s Institute Drama Group who gave a first-class performance at the Phoenix Theatre on April 1^st, when they staged an original comedy play, entitled “Soirée at Pearl’s Arbour”, which was written by Marie Arnold and Elaine Walters.

The Phoenix was packed to capacity with many of the audience declaring they would have been happy to enjoy a repeat performance if one had been scheduled.

The ladies have now rounded off their first year together with their hysterical and well-polished performances, which they staged in front of a delighted public audience.

We can all now look forward to seeing their next endeavour, but in the meantime, “Well Done Everyone!”

Review of ‘Soiree at Pearl’s Arbour’ presented by Ton Pentre Women’s Institute Drama Group.

            I always thought there was a lot of hidden theatrical talent in the Rhondda and I was pleased to be proved right when Ton Pentre W.I. put on the above play in the Phoenix Theatre, Ton Pentre on Tuesday evening. April 1^st.  

Fifteen ladies from Ton Pentre all contributed to  a delightful evening’s entertainment in front of a packed audience. The play was written by Marie Arnold and Elaine Walters and it was produced by Marie. 

It dealt with the misfortunes of the residents of Pearl’s Arbour Residential Home for Ex-Service Personnel.  Although the main parts were taken by the authors, namely Marie as Head Nurse Gervaise and Elaine as both Vera and Dossie, the contributions of the rest of the company were superb. 

There were too many individual performances to mention  but I was  particularly impressed by the  women who took the parts of the men - among them the colonel, the wing commander and the captain. 

The play itself was a kind of ‘Carry On in the Residential Home’ with many of the jokes visual ones.

The sound of regular laughter echoing around the Pheonix Theatre testified how successful the jokes were.

The second half of the entertainment was taken up by various local artistes. 

These included contributions from Christine Tuckett, Susan Davies and in the finale Ann Jones as Tom Jones. All were excellent and helped to complete a memorable evening . 

What of the future? There is a rumour that the W.I. intend to resurrect the Residential Home for one more performance for those who were unfortunate enough not to see it the first time. 

The authors are also considering developing the  ‘Carry On ‘theme by sending  the inmates on holiday. If so it will be a further treat for the Pheonix audience to appreciate.

Ron Watkins

Ron Watkins is the regular theatrical contributor to ‘Writing Magazine’ where his articles appear under the title ‘On Stage’.