The Wardrobe of Delights

Story by Tim Neal

A good crowd turned up at Abbeyfield Park for the Wardrobe of Delights and the tent was full as the cabaret got underway.

Our hosts for the evening were two cleaning ladies who found themselves perplexed at the appearance of a string of extraordinary characters emerging from a wardrobe on the stage. A seductive manipulation of a feather duster while suspended from twin ropes followed by a muscular trapeze act drew admiring applause. Cabaret humour par excellence brought smiles and blushes.

A refreshing drink during the interval was interrupted by a flying egg or two propelled by unknown performers. The Botox Twins brought punch and judicious humour to the second half but I am afraid I was forced to retire from the tent at this point as my young daughter fled in some terror from the stand up comedian – a pity as I could hear raucous laughter, but she did peek in as a green man from outer space did battle on stage. The show ended and I returned to applaud a memorable evening. “All in the best taste” I mused, as a final egg flew overhead.

The Messenger received a complaint about the performance from a resident about the sexual content of the play, which they felt was unsuitable for young children and families in the audience.

In response, organisers Green City Action (GCA) told us:

“We acknowledge that a small part of the content of the Wardrobe of Delights caused offense to several people who attended. GCA had previously vetted the full production and removed the content we thought unsuitable, unfortunately it was some of the replacement content, booked by the production company, that caused the problem. Even though this was beyond our control we will make sure that adequate warning is provided in future if material is likely to offend.

“We would like to thank the many people that expressed their appreciation of what they described as an otherwise excellent night and that the old addage you cannot please everybody seems to ring true.”

If you were at the play and have a view, we would love to hear from you, contact the Messenger on 242 0564.