‘Keep it Fresh, Keep it Clean, Keep it
Fragrant’ was the catch phrase of husband and wife, song and dance
act Red Peppers. This little gem of a play written by Noel Coward is
set at a time when the heyday of music hall was passing with the
early growth of the film industry.
It reveals the tensions between George
Pepper (Jeremy Battersby) and his wife Lilly (Hazel Lucas) after a
fluff in their song and dance routine. Lilly senses their best days
are behind them whilst George is wedded to the family tradition of
music hall.
However, they close ranks when they face
criticism from Musical Director Bert Bentley (Orlando Brooke),
Theatre Manager Mr Edwards (John White) and grand actress Mabel
Grace (Sarah Mayhew). Lilly has the stronger role as she lets rip.
Noel Coward was the master of biting and mocking wit and the cast
successfully time the lines with the intended venom.
Opening and closing the play the Red
Peppers are most convincing in their portrayal of the song and dance
routines especially the horrendous gags and catch phrase.
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