Forget-Me-Not Lane is a visit inside 40 year old Frank's jumbled mind as he looks back at his life and considers his failing marriage. As his memory wanders, seeking understanding, it brings onto the bare stage with humour and sadness the characters in his life - his childhood friend, Ivor, his parents Charles and Amy, and his wife Ursula.

The Cast.

Frank - James Bently

Charles - Gordon Cummings

Young Frank - Jack Green

Amy - Jennifer Scott-Reid

Ivor - Stuart Pringle

Mr Magic - Tony Phillips

Miss 1940 - Lisa Bently

Ursula - Charlotte Foster

Young Ursula - Natascha Scott-Reid

Director - Ken Kemp

A review by Toby Allanson

(The Herts and Essex Observer)

A complex and thought provoking piece of theatre at Clavering Village Hall provided a welcome departure from traditional amdram fodder. Peter Nichols' darkly comic Forget-me-not Lane, a journey into the jumbled memories of 40-year-old lecturer Frank, which dealt with subjects as controversial and diverse as child abuse, transvestism, confused sexuality and the potential collapse of two families, was a brave choice by producer Ken Kemp.

With his actors, the Clavering Players, delivering universally moving performances of deft assurance, that decision was more than adequately rewarded. An effective introduction to the play saw Frank take quietly to the stage while many punters were still in the bar and pace thoughtfully to the strains of period radio long before he deliverd any lines. This relaxed, organic beginning drew the audience into Frank's confidence and made it far easier to believe the deeply personal memories he went onto share with the crowd.

This was a creative reading of an imaginative play that demonstrated in spades what amateur productions are capable of. It was well rehearsed, well performed and well worth seeing.