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She Would If She CouldThe Roan Theatre Company bravely attempted this Restorian Comedy at the Tyler Theatre in Eltham after the Director, Mandy Brown, had argued for years to produce it. Graham Johnson was outstanding as Sir Oliver Cockwood and Alfie Knott seemed born to play the part of the leacherous aristocrat Sir Joslin Jolley and acted with cavalier abandonment. Simon Uttley was impressive and assured as Mr Courtall and David Peckham made his debut as Mr Freeman. Rae Hammersley, as Lady Cockwood, swooned and sighed with great enthusiasm as the object of Mr Courtall's desires. Teresa Wilkins and Glynis Watson provided suitable decoration as the "pretty young things" and Beryl Knott as Lady Cockwood's gentlewoman moved the plot along with careful glances and a 'common' accent that contrasted well with the aristocratic tones. Joan Stanbridge also contributed elegantly in a role that offered little scope while Peter Laurie and Richard Rickson made the most of their cameo roles.  |