Staged at a restaurant in Almancil last weekend, the production of Nick Warburton’s play A Helping Hand transfers to the Hotel Garbe in Armação de Pêra at the end of the month.
Forming part of a theatre dinner evening, the play is full of humour with several unexpected twists and turns. Warburton is one of Britain’s most prolific writers, producing scripts for theatre, radio and television.
Creating believable characters and situations, in A Helping Hand, when a well-meaning vicar’s wife gives the elderly Mr Purvis special responsibilities, the consequences are disastrous.
Tackling health and safety issues within the context of an ageing church proves to be no laughing matter, unless you happen to be a member of the audience watching from the sidelines!
Victor Graham’s accomplishments as an actor have never been more honed as Mr Purvis bumbles enthusiastically from one task to the next. Directed by Suzanne Jefferies, who also plays the vicar’s wife, the pair’s excellent performances capitalise on the clever script.
Appropriately costumed with a set that portrays the church’s vestry, the production is stage-managed by John Towers, also in charge of ecclesiastical organ music between the scenes.
The play is well characterised and constructed so that by its end, the villain is obviously the vicar, although he’s never seen.
A highly recommended show performed by two of the Algarve’s most experienced professional actors.
The play will be staged at the Raj Restaurant at the hotel on November 25, 26 and 27, commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets for the show, costing 30 euros, include a three-course Indian meal with half a bottle of wine and coffee. To book tickets in advance, please call 282 320 260.
