Outside Edge

A comedy centred on a village cricket match is pitching into the fundraising efforts of Sheringham Little Theatre.

But the dramatic action in Outside Edge takes place in the pavilion rather than at the wicket.

The character of the team members, and their wives, is in the spotlight in the Little Theatre Players’ production running from June 25-28.

Team captain Roger (played by David Robinson) revels in his role but is battling to get a side together, while unloved wife Miriam (Sarah Westlake) is actually the main organiser. Demon spin bowler Kevin (Tony Waeland) has an explosive relationship with his mothering, DIY expert wife Maggie (Beverley Taylor).

Bob (Ray Tempesta) is married to long-suffering second wife Ginnie (Annabel Johnson) but still doing jobs for his ”ex” out of guilt. Carpet salesman and ladies’ man Dennis (Peter Blakeley) tries to impress by getting the team bargain equipment which is not what it seems.

Snobbish lawyer Alex (Torin Beatty) is the best batter but also unmarried, but shows his lack of judgement in girlfriends by bringing along , the latest of whom pole dancer Sharon (Attia Law) is very out of place at the cricket club.

Director Libby Henshaw said: “This is a perfect feel-good summer play, with the humour stemming from the relationships between the players in a fairly naff cricket team and their other halves.

“The action takes place in a run-down pavilion before and during a match against a local railway maintenance team, with the weather forecast looking a bit dodgy. “While cricket can be a bit of a slow process the action inside the pavilion gets pacy!” she added.

The production will be a fundraiser for the theatre, helping to pay for a new cinema screen. 

The play has also featured on television, first as a one-off in 1982 starring Paul Eddington, Prunella Scales, and Maureen Lipman, and a 1994 sitcom series featuring Brenda Blethyn, Timothy Spall and Josie Lawrence with some scenes shot at Cromer.  

Outside Edge runs from June 25-28 at 7.30 with a 2.30 matinee on the Saturday. Tickets and information from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office on 01263 822347.