The world needs a bit more enlivenment and Lettice Douffet is happy to oblige.
Her job as a tour guide at an English National Trust Estate bores not only her, but her clients. And all it takes is a little embellishing and everyone’s happy. Well, not everybody.
Veteran Echo Players actress Jeanie Smith puts the perfect amount of punch into Lettice’s character in Echo Players’ current production of Lettice and Lovage. Smith keeps the audience laughing as her character gets deeper and deeper into tall tales of heroism.
A perfect contrast to her character is the irritable and curt Lotte Schoen, a representative at the estate, called Fustian House.
Kathy Harper couldn’t have captured this intolerant character more perfectly, herself adding hilarious elements to the show. Miss Schoen becomes exasperated by Lettice’s defiance for the trust and calls her into her office.
Here we meet Miss Framer, the timid and self-conscious assistant played by Kelly Barnum, another shining light on stage that keeps the audience cackling.
The story takes an unlikely twist when we find Miss Schoen actually has a heart and is herself in need of some enlivenment.
The sets, with their attention to detail, give the play that extra bit of plausibility, with a grand staircase, and perfect basement apartment paraphernalia.
Mike Andrews helps the play deliver one more twist in the last scene, playing a convincing, staunch lawyer who loosens up under direction by the dynamic Lettice.
Although the play stretches well into the evening, it will fill your night with laughter while inciting joie de vivre.
Lettice and Lovage plays at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach until April 17.
For tickets call 250-752-3522 or stop by the box office.
For more information visit www.echoplayers.ca.
