Fings ain't Wot They Used t'Be (1986)
by Frank Norman & Lionel Bart
Directed by Mike Mattey
Performances: Sat 4th – Sat 11th October 1986, Bell Theatre
Contents
Introduction
Fred runs a failing gambling joint in a seedy Soho Side-street and harbiiurs dreams of making a come-back to the halcyon days when he was "razor king of the manor".
Lil has retired from the oldest profession in the world and dreams of marrying Fred while she sweeps the floors around the feet of the tarts, ponces and layabouts who are Fred's only customers.
Sargeant Collins is the "Friendly" local policeman who controls the "patch" and incidentally absorbs any rofit that Fred might otherwise make. The Sargeant's dream is to own a place like Fred's and be the one that pays and not just the one who 'cops' the bribes.
Paddy, the jovial tea-man; tosher, the ponce: Betty and Rosey, Tosher's blousy tarts; Redhot, the old lag and Norman, the leader of the local Teddy boys are among the other dreamers who have made Fred's gaff their home.
When a horse does Fred a good turn all these dreams look like coming true and Horace, the designer, is on hand with plenty of gay ideas to put some of them into immeadiate effect. But gang boss, Meatface Heiman, stands in Fred's path and the only way back to the top is through a 'carve-up' with Meatface and his mob. Very Nasty!
But "Fings Aint Wot They Used T'be" is above everthing else and entertainment with lots of laughs and songs for everyone. It's a theatrical knees-up for all the family - a chance to forget your troubles and join in the fun.
Mike Mattey
Cast
Crew
- Stage Manager - SM Name
- Lighting Design - Designer Name
- Lighting Operator - Operator Name
Reviews
Some review quotes go here
Gallery
Reminiscences and Anecdotes
Members are encouraged to write about their experiences of working on or seeing this production. Please leave your name. Anonymous entries may be deleted.
See Also
Have there been other SLTC/SLT productions of this play? Link to them here.
Or add anything that is related within this site. The author's page for instance or other plays with a similar theme.
References
<references/>
