Sutton Hoo Mob (rev), Evening Star

Cheery cast of four brings Sutton Hoo history to life.

With a production that has been touring and selling out throughout East Anglia since February, Eastern Angles already know they tapped into a treasure of a play. Telling the story of the people who discovered the Anglo-Saxon burial site at Sutton Hoo, this is a rare chance to delve into the lives of the people – rather than the archaeological detail. A cast of four play the key roles of landowner Edith Pretty, amateur archaeologist Basil Brown, Ipswich Museum curator Guy Maynard, professional archaeologist Charles Philips and Ipswich Museum boss, Reid Moir.

Greg Wagland, who plays both Philips and Moir, manages to cleverly switch from pretentious small town museum boss to bossy but well-intentioned archaeologist. He is joined by Lisa Armytage, who skilfully brings Mrs Pretty back to life and takes us on her personal journey. Patrick Knox plays Suffolk man Basil Brown – who is played with great gentleness and honesty in a way that brings out local eccentricities without mocking them. Roger Butcher is the perfect Guy Maynard – a curator who is much put-upon and desperate to please.

The decision to revive the Sutton Hoo Mob after its first outing in 1994 was brought about by public demand – such is the affection for this comedy penned by local playwright Peppy Barlow. Community halls, theatre and schools will all have hosted this production by the time it comes to an end with performances at its spiritual home in Sutton Hoo.

There are no great surprises with this production, but neither really should there be, the audience knew what to expect and they got what they wanted. This isn’t a rip-roaring comedy, it is a cheery look at the lives of people from the past whose work still lives on and is the subject of much Suffolk pride today and probably for a very long time to come.

Helen Johns