The Wish House: The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond

NORTH Country Theatre is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new piece of theatre written by artistic director Nobby Dimon. He’s unashamedly borrowed a Rudyard Kipling short story called The Wish House and adapted it for the stage.

Set in a 1920s scullery with and old poss tub, a traditional pulley clothes airer, a proper pine table and all the accoutrements of the day, this kitchen sink drama could be mistaken for an early soap story, but is better described as reminiscence theatre.

The main character is a charismatic second generation gypsy called Grace who is getting on in years. She has a bad leg, takes in washing, could talk the hind leg off a donkey and sings terribly. For all that, Ashley Christmas, and yes that is her real name, is a jolly good actress; and she needs to be too as she’s on stage for most of the show. She's ably assisted by Mark Cronfield, who plays her love interest Harry Mockler and the Reverend Smith, along with actress/director Vivienne Garnett as Nurse Fettley, Polly Batten and Sophy.

The problem is that it lacks pace, is not as sinister as the publicity claims and is half-an-hour too long. There are plenty of laughs where Christmas shows off her impeccable comedy timing and Garnett’s direction shows great promise, so I hope this is the curse of the first night. Runs until December 3 at various venues throughout the region.

Tickets: 01748 825288. Tour schedule and information: northcountrytheatre.com

Helen Brown