July 5 saw the premiere of three one-act black comedies written by Tilford playwright Alan Goodchild, presented under the umbrella title Prologues.

Each explored the consequences of previous failings of human nature and how love in its many forms resolves, redeems and repairs. Speed Dating, Feet to the Fire and Phoebe were all, in different ways and to different degrees, funny, warm, surprising. All were a true reflection of human relationships.

Tilbourne Players put on a night that felt like a celebration, there was a real buzz of anticipation – what would this unknown work be like? By the end of the first play, we had our answer – absolutely terrific.

Alan’s stories are engaging enough, but it is his dialogue that really sparkles – great one-liners, real conversations, tangible emotions. The simple staging of set, light and sound effects gave just enough context. These plays don’t need frills. They need natural, affecting performances, which is exactly what they got.

The ensemble casts did a magnificent job. It’s wrong to single out performers in a local production, where the cast is made up of very experienced and new very talented actors. It’s enough to say that the mix worked very well indeed – with shining examples of the art in each piece. Congratulations Tilbourne Players, you got it right. And congratulations Alan – more please.

Rena Bassar