Moonlight and Magnolias

Moonlight and Magnolias refers to the romanticisation of the southern states prior to the American Civil War.

The play is set in the office of David O. Selznick (Peter Harding); filming on Gone With The Wind has been halted abruptly. Selznick has replaced the film’s writer and director and has summoned newspaper writer Ben Hecht (Trevor Stone) along with director Victor Fleming (Mike Sheehan) who, at the time, was filming The Wizard of Oz. All three men are locked Selznick’s office, as he demands a new script and vision for the project within a week.

The only contact with the outside world is Selznick’s long-suffering secretary Miss Poppenghul (beautifully portrayed by Jennifer Briguglio) and the occasional phone call. The only food permitted is bananas and peanuts.

The three males work well, bouncing off each other and the fast paced action never falters.

As the story unfolds, frustration and fatigue takes its toll: Fran Legge has drilled her cast well and together product a truly memorable piece of theatre.

Although a relatively short piece (one hour forty including interval) this production was an outstanding example of pure entertainment.

Roger McKenzie