PLAYING IN PENANG

WHEN PEOPLE ASK WHY I CHOOSE TO LIVE IN PENANG, my reply is, "It's got a bit of everything to offer." You name it: food (but of course), the sun and the sea, shopping (imperative); it's reasonably cheap for poor writers (please send all donations to ... !!), and most importantly it's HOME.

Now I'm not a culture vulture, nor snob (can't abide those people who pretend to be what they're not), but, once in a while, it's nice to while away the evening in a civilised sort of way. Up here, we don't have that much choice, but we do have something: the Penang Players' annual Dinner Show.

Our local amdram (amateur dramatic) society consists of a group of dedicated people who want to tread the boards, usually at the Hotel Royal in town, for the fun of it, and we really enjoy it: you have food (a buffet dinner), drink (BYO or buy there) and entertainment - all for a donation of just RM68. It's usually a fun evening out and you're also doing a good cause: keeping such non-profit organisations going in Penang.

Last night was no exception; actually, it WAS an exception, because the performances were amongst the best I've seen from the group - no mean feat, as we've been hosting a table there every year since 2002. They performed 3 vignettes written by American playwright Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite 719", directed by Jayaram Menon and produced by Chairperson Joelle Saint-Arnoult.

The first act featured my old friend and fellow Star columnist Mary Schneider, who acted as Karen, wife of adulterer Sam Nash. As usual, she looked stunning, and an old hand at this having been with the group since 1992; she played the slightly klutzy role well. Lim Yao Han and Shamila Ariffin were very creditable in Act II, but the stars of the night were undoubtedly husband-and-wife team Judith Chandler and Randy Moss, both teachers at Uplands, who were outstanding as the frustrated parents of Mimsey on her wedding day. They were perfect for the roles, and had the place roaring with laughter at various points. Randy, who is the Head of the Arts Faculty at Uplands International School and Consultant for the International School Theatre Association, can safely boast that he doesn't just teach (you know what they say - those who can't, teach!). He definitely can.

It's a sign of how popular this group is that not only were they sold out over the Friday and Saturday nights, but they are also holding a matinee (show only) performance today, which was originally intended for students but has now been opened up for all and sundry because it is so popular. In fact, next time they should do TWO performances a year!!

WELL DONE GUYS, and I look forward to your next production.