Good performances in Cubbington Players’ play

Michael Frayn

Cubbington Players

Cubbington Vilage Hall

www.cubbingtonplayers.com

Benefactors is a fascinating piece set in the early 70s, beautifully placed by the use of music, about two couples whose lives are intertwined by their University days.

They have unfortunately never noticed they are like chalk and cheese. David (Dan Hawkins), an architect, is working on a development project in SE London – Basuto Road, Jane (Sam Kneeshaw), his wife, supports his work with admin and market research. Colin (Mark Frampton) is a classical scholar working as a journalist. His wife Sheila (Teresa Coles McGee) is a bit hippy dippy though, before the children, was a state registered nurse. Jane suggests that Sheila start working for David which sets off quite a chain of events.

Sheila leaves Colin who sets up a squat in Basuto Road to undermine David’s plans.

Colin’s Machiavellian tendencies ensure Jane gets work for a charity that reburbishes property.

The theme of demolition underlies the play as the couple’s relationships within their marriages and as friends undergo enormous challenges. Finally Jane is the breadwinner as David’s career flounders as the Basuto Road project is halted.

The performances are good with a special mention for Mark Frampton as Colin.

So why Benefactors?

Each in their way attempts to do good to someone else.

Colin is the ‘bad egg’ who is driven by negativity.

There is an interplay between dark and light, creativity and demolition, good and evil.

Sheila’s character is the most interesting – Colin has undermined her natural wisdom in showing the others their true selves which returns as she frees herself from his influence.