Theatre review Ha! Ha! Ha! by Narberth Talespinners Queens Hall, Narberth, April 14th -16th

A serious bout of uncontrolled laughter broke out in Narberth last week when The Talespinners took to the stage at the Queens Hall, once again.

As ever, humour was high on their list of priorities with this collection of one-act plays. Top of the list has to be Talespinner regular Derek Webb, who effortlessly switched between hapless accountant Jack in David Tristam's Pudding? to the harassed Gordon in the sublime The Fat Lady Sings, also by David Tristam.

Starting with the best first - although it was performed last - Fat Lady was brilliant. The beautifully tight writing was never overshadowed by the superb character acting of Derek, plus another Talespinners stalwart Jackie Hickling, and the ever-reliable, and frankly superb, Roger Leese. I'm sure he would agree that he is not your typical matinee idol, but he is fast becoming one of the most entertaining character actors appearing in local amateur circles.

Roger also appeared as the appalling drunk Galbraith in Charles Mander's Shop for Charity. This had fewer belly laughs, but its gentle humour was more thought-provoking. There were great performances, too, from Janis Hopkins and bored housewife Mary in Pudding? And LaRae Wilkins, Dot Pritchard and Maggie Blunsden as the Shop for Charity assistants.

The casts were ably backed up by the ever-reliable Maggy Roberts, last year's Pembrokeshire's best newcomer, as Maureen in Pudding? - an hilarious farce in the best tradition - and Joyce in Fat Lady; together with Stewart Roberts, Dick Bain and Julie Muckleston.

Great sets, particularly the village hall and its notice board, and understated direction from Dot Pritchard, Derek Webb and Janis Hopkins meant another fun night out in Narberth!