Drama Group in a dizzying dash (Darlington & Stockton Times)

Gainford Drama Club has scored another hit with its latest show. the stylish comedy, Two Dozen Red Roses.

The story is set in 1950s Rome, and place and period are wonderfully evoked by the elegant set and costumes (congratulations to Kathleen Westgarth and Vivienne Brown).

No less classy are the performances, especially from the three principles. Joan Hillery-Robinson plays Marina, a woman of a certain age set into a romantic daze by the daily arrival of the flowers of the plays title.

Little does she know that they are being sent secretly by her husband, Alberto (John H Robinson, no relation). He is wonderfully deadpan, in humorous exchanges with his friend Tomasso (Michael Sillars) and the image of a downtrodden husband in the scene where he leaves home. “I”ve put a new bulb in your bedside light … I can”t think of anything else”.

“Goodbye then”

“Goodbye”

Paul Illingworth and Claire Stow play the two young lovers, Bernardo the flower seller and Rosina the housemaid with verve and confident Italian accents.

The director was Pam Westgarth.