Spa
Town Spirit
What an excellent
day this was. Sailors Beware travelled over to Buxton to see 'Laurel and
Hardy', the first production at the brand new Pavilion Arts Centre on
Saturday 25th September. Setting off from Hyde mid afternoon, the early
autumn sun was shining giving the scenery in the derbyshire hills a beautiful
wash of colour. Arriving in Buxton the crew decided to spend the afternoon
taking in the many attractions Buxton has to offer. A relaxing pub meal
and a pint of ale is a good start! A member of the party mentioned that
a horse named Below Zero was running at Chester that afternoon so the
party all chipped in £2 and a bet was placed.
The party
then split up and we wandered around the Pavilion Gardens which could
be a setting straight out of Men o' War. Another hostelry for more liquid
followed. As the evening drew in, a coffee at a small cafe was welcome
and we resisted (just) the temptation to order 'soda, soda and soda!'
A well spring in the centre of town was the scene of some hilarity as
the Grand sheik and Grand Vizier tasted the spa water. The duo then posed
as part of the fountain, water espewing from their mouths, leading passers
by wondering if there was 'something in the water' ala Them Thar Hills!
Finally it
was time to take our seats for the show. It was brilliant and thoroughly
enjoyable. The portrayals of our heroes was superb. Tom McGrath's play
has a clever script as the boys reminisce about their careers. Simon Lloyd
as Ollie was excellent but taking the prize for me was Neil Bromley's
Stan. He got the mannerisms and facial expressions just perfect. Highlights
of the show were the Soda scene from 'Men o' War' and the opening scene
from 'Towed in a Hole' as they plan to start their own business. The sadness
felt at the end as the boys passed on was quickly replaced by a standing
ovation for a fantastic performance and for the wonderful wealth of comedy
Stan and Babe left us.
And guess
what, Below Zero came in 3rd at 12-1, so the party went home having doubled
their money!
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