Teddington Theatre Club's production of Alphabetical Order by Michael Frayn was a valiant attempt by a talented cast to stage a difficult play.

First performed in 1975 the play is set in the library of a provincial newspaper. The librarian, Lucy, is an untidy, disorganised person who finds herself overwhelmed by the job. An assistant is recruited, the coolly efficient but humourless Leslie. She reorganises and controls the office and also attempts to tidy the chaotic personal lives of some staff members with whom she comes in contact.

When news is received that the paper is about to close the librarian feels her life's work has been wasted. Hysteria takes over and the staff proceed to empty the files and strew the papers around the library. The assistant returns to restore order and remind the staff that the paper may be rescued after all.

The demanding role of Lucy was played with dedication by Dorothy Duffy but her performance lacked robustness and the character's strength of personality.

Laura Grizzelle was crisp and bright as the interfering Leslie. John Bellamy's heartiness brought the role of Geoffrey, the messenger, to entertaining life. Steve Boxall was the lugubrious, slow-thinking Arnold and Charles A Halford scored as the cynical, vacillating intellectual John. Sue Viney showed her worth in taking over the role of the kindly well-meaning Nora at short notice.

The tight ensemble playing required in this play was not completely achieved and at times the pace was too slow. Greater attention should have been given to clarity and volume of diction.

Many thanks to director Ben Clare and his team for mounting an interesting production of a challenging play.

Joy Manners