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| Cast |
| Alfie | Bob Lacey |
| Siddie | Beverley Seeley |
| Gilda | Shirley Young |
| Humphrey | David Hampton |
| Woman Doctor | Gillian Leggat |
| Harry Clamacraft | Tony Otton |
| Joe | Colin Townsley |
| Lily Clamacraft | Pat Day |
| Carla | Glenys English |
| Perc | Roger Ford |
| Lacey | Graham Corbould |
| Flo | Erica Bartley |
| Annie | Patricia Robertson |
| Lofty | Oliver Conerery |
| Ruby | Jean Franks |
| Sharpey | Tony Donnelly |
| Vy | Joyce Milan |
| Mr Smith | Dennis Bailey |
| Jack | Toby Moore |
| Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Gillian Rafferty |
| Assistant Stage Managers | Pat Lacey, Fay Rose, Janet Felisiak |
| Lighting | Christine Milkins, Sandra Southee, Nick Felisiak |
| Sound | John King, Marilyn Matthews |
Review
Alderton sees both sides of Alfie's character
Love 'em, leave 'em and think no more about 'em. Underneath the hard exterior of a cocky gigolo matching this description, beats an insecure heart. When Bill Naughton wrote Alfie, he did more than capture the comic thoughts of a playboy, he also outlined a strong measure of uncertainty concealed by a fine film of bravado.
When Bob Lacey took on the role of Alfie at the Edward Alderton Theatre last week, he grasped the comedy with a professional ease and managed to show why no one girlfriend ever found a permanent place in his life. It was Neal Flux's direction of the '60s play, acted on a sparse stage, which enabled the satellite characters in Alfie to pinpoint the man's resistance to a lasting attachment.
Bob Lacey's natural, easy manner was a perfect channel for Bill Naughton's comedy. The whole play centers around Alfie, and when he is not talking to another character he is usually chatting to the audience. Given this huge part Mr Lacey did not fail. He seemed a born comedian. More difficult to portray was the insecurity of the character - which generally made him act in hard, unfeeling ways. Although this was achieved to an extent I feel Mr Lacey's natural comic flair eclipsed some of the more unsightly facets of Alfie's character.
With the main character taking up such a vast part of the play it would seem the supporting cast had little to do. But each of their cameo pieces threw vital light onto Alfie's character. Through Beverley Steley as Siddy, we saw the Cockney Romeo's flair for seducing married women and his touching concern for their husbands. This concern was more a matter of his own protection.
Shirley Young as Gilda brought out the fatherly instinct in Alfie. She gave the kind of solid acting performance which perfectly illustrated Alfie's shuffling ways. Jean Franks as the buxom Ruby, approaching middle-age and a very attractive prospect for Alfie, showed how an experienced woman was most likely to tie Alfie down. Ms Franks I felt lacked the ruthlessness her part demanded although she compensated in other areas.
Alfie's brief spell in hospital reveals a darker side to his character. His unthinking 'help' given to a fellow patient's wife results in a sordid backroom abortion with Alfie caught between shirking his responsibility and then crippled by conscience. His eventual walk-out and return illustrates his indecision. Pat Day as Mrs Clamacraft was perfect as the injured married woman, asking for no favours and only dealing with Alfie because she had to.
As Annie, Tricia Robertson had to contend with being called 'it' by Alfie and putting up with his abundant criticisms. She gave a strong performance as the quiet Northern lass, wallowing in housework to drown the memory of a former love.
In smaller parts, David Hampton, Gillian Leggatt, Tony Otton, Colin Townsley, Oliver Conerery and Glenys English all gave tidy, compact performances. This was a good play for the theatre to end its first year on, and anyone seeing it is bound to go back for more next year. It illustrated the increasing maturity of the players, director and backstage crew, and must have shown them that they can tackle whatever they like in the future and be assured of success.
CT
Bexley Times | 16 December 1976
