Nub News editor Neil Speight reviews Thurrock Courts Players' latest production at the Thameside Theatre in Grays

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RARELY, if ever, have I left Thurrock's homely Thameside Theatre with a sense of disappointment, but I am afraid I couldn't shake off a sense of melancholy after Thurrock Courts Players' opening night of the comedic parody '39 Steps' this evening (Thursday, 19 October).

It was, I suppose, an inevitable feeling as I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the quality of Courts' last three productions, 'Clue on Stage', 'A Bunch of Amateurs' and the never-to-be-forgotten 'The Audience'.

And before those three, the productions of 'Vicar of Dibley' and 'A Butler Did It' were above and beyond the norm in amateur dramatics and deservedly hauled in a host of NODA awards.

So it was perhaps inescapable that at some point the jury would be out on the latest Courts decision.

39 Steps has become something of an iconic comic production. It's picked up Oliviers in the West End and shone on Broadway. It's a meaty chunk of a comic caper and quite frankly I have to say it proved too big a mouthful even for such a talented company as Courts.

With a limited budget for scenery and a stage limited by the lack of investment from our Philistine-like local council, Players chose to go for minimalist sets, quickfire sight gags and the hope that fortune favoured the brave.

Undoubtedly there were some funny moments, and some skittish activity when almost raucous laughter was dragged from an audience. But it seemed they felt obliged to laugh and were delighted to do so as a sense of support for the cast.

And not everyone was as cynical as myself. As I left I heard a couple enthusing over the production – "It was brilliant", they agreed.

And that's really all that matters. Even I, in my moment of disappointment, would not have swapped this evening for a night in front of the TV. It's just that my expectation levels have been raised by the sheer quality of Courts' recent work – and that of their colleagues on stage, TOPS.

'Better live than dead' remains my mantra and long may we be graced with this superb little theatre.

To quickly skip through the play, it is a skit on the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film of high drama, suspense and rolling set that covers the length and breadth of England and Scotland. It's a tall order to pack all that into the Thameside on a wet Thursday evening!

The lead role of Richard Hanney is taken by the now iconic local thespian and comedy genius Luke Coldham. He carried the production, even though I sense he knew he was flowing against the tide.

He was supported at best by Lauren Jones who provides what is in effect the tale's love interest. They are physically disproportionate in terms of height but that's always the dichotomy facing local companies and to their credit there was definitely an empathy between the two. The bedroom sequence, which includes the rather risqué removal of stockings, was a show highlight.

Rarely did other members of the cast shine. That's probably because there is too much asked of actors who have to cover a multitude of roles. Quick changes and different accents left me perplexed and quizzical, and I couldn't warm to any of the characters.

I think the problem was they were all trying too hard. For example Josh Handley has become another Thameside regular, gracing many productions with undoubted talent – usually based on his quality comic timing.

Here he was a mad Dervish playing at least six characters – all at frenetic pace and he was simply a one trick pony in each role. He needed to slow down.

Other stalwarts of past Courts productions also seemed uncomfortable. Wayne Prince, for example, has enjoyed many a success on the Thameside stage that I remember well – his Professor Jordan in this production was instantly forgettable.

My review may come across as unkind, but it would be a disservice to the quality of the past shows, and my words of praise then, if I wasn't truthful.

Everyone and every team is entitled to fail now and again. That's what makes success so special.

There are two nights left for '39 Steps'. There are seats available. So why not go along and see for yourself? Maybe you will love it and I'll eat humble pie. Never will it have tasted sweeter.

Regardless of tonight, I can't wait to see what Courts offer next. Good, bad or indifferent they knock seven bells out of 'Love Island'. Long may live theatre continue in Thurrock.

When it's good, it's brilliant. And when it's not – it's still bloody wonderful.

Would I rather have been anywhere else tonight? Certainly not. Thank you to each and every one of the cast on stage and off it. You didn't quite succeed tonight to match the glories of previous productions but more power to your elbow for trying.

Maybe next time!