REVIEW: ‘Charley’s Aunt’ at the ACE Centre

The theatre was full on the opening night and the Brandon Thomas play - skilfully directed by John Cummings - went down very well with the audience.

The hilarious cast also showed their comedy capabilities - it was pretty physical as well as verbal. Rob Hartley was terrific as Jack. He was a real character with lots of facial expressions. And Kevin Kay was equally funny as Charley.

James Bateman as Lord Babberley - who impersonated Charley’s aunt - was also brilliant. The three worked very well together.

Laura Yates (Amy) and Jessica Cummings ((Kitty), added lots of charm to the play, and Steve Grist stepped in at the last minute to appear as butler Brasset, also very effectively.

Peter Allen was great as Sir Francis and Lynne Cummings was very effective as the “real” Charley’s aunt.

Alan Bailey (Spettigue) and Leigh Palfreeman (Ela) completed a fabulous cast. Between them, the 10 made it a night to remember.

The Burnley theatre group has now made the ACE its permanent base and the theatre there is proving a real asset. The stage settings were good, and the lighting also worked well. There was some delightful music and the costumes were also excellent.

“Charley’s Aunt” can be seen tonight and tomorrow at the ACE at 7-30 p.m. - it may be an old play, but the humour is still highly enjoyable.

Drama in Pendle is spiralling at the moment. Not only has The Garrick moved here, but the St James Players from Burnley are making their home at St Luke’s Church Hall in Brierfield.