First-time director Jodie Lee chose this madcap play because it reminded her of the sort the Players did when she acted with them from age 15. Jodie has been acting in and producing films in Queensland and Hollywood but has now returned to Taree – and the Players.

For the cast of 10, Jodie has gathered in newcomers and old hands, bringing a fresh energy to the show. They come from all over the Manning.

The plot centres around the dilemmas of the philandering Howard, whose suit gets stolen while he’s asleep in his lover Penny’s flat, so how to get home to his wife? 

Mayhem and misunderstandings result, with a cavalcade of characters racing in and out of windows and doors, and much dressing, undressing and cross-dressing. 

Wes Richardson returns to the Players to play Howard, while the long suffering Penny is played by drama teacher Melissa Cotton. 

Throw in an amorous Danish au-pair, Tové (Lauren Holdsworth), a cool punk (Mitchell Knapp), a singing telegram gorilla (16-year-old Liam Hampson, who also plays the burglar), a randy Constable (Laurent Gonfond), and a neighbour, Deirdre (Vivienne Scott) entertaining her lover, Roland (Richard Coleman), whose suit also gets stolen…

To this crazy mix, add the eccentric Captain Webber (Tony Shurety) and a Police Inspector with Cabinet connections (Chris Alcock). 

Ian Lythgoe, who has acted in several past productions, has taken on the responsibility for managing the lights and sound.

The fast-paced action and convolutions of the plot create confusion and frustration for the characters … and a night of hilarious fun and laughter for the audience. As always, the food will be excellent and plentiful, prepared in the Upper Lansdowne Hall’s new commercial kitchen. 

The show will run for three weekends of Saturday night dinner shows (7pm, three courses, BYO, $37.50, October 7, 14 and 21) and Sunday matinées (2.30pm, two courses, $25, October 8, 15 and 22).

Dinner shows on 14th and 21st are already booked out.  

An extra show may be possible. Book tables of eight or individuals at www.upperlansdownehall.org.au/events/plays, or call Sue on 0405 449 060 or 6556 9290. 

'When Did You Last See Your Trousers?’ is written by Ray Galton and John Antrobus and performed by arrangement with Origin Theatrical.

Lansdowne School awards were presented to the following students.

Class K/1/2: Student of the Week to Christopher Morrison for improvement in working independently. Class awards to Kataya Potts for achieving 200 nights home reading and Kelsey James for always following class/school expectations. Fast Maths award to Dakota Witchard for going up three levels this term. Artist award to Eliza Morrison for her “Jellyfish”.

Class 3/4: Student of the Week Terrence Barrass for including others and completing work. Class awards to Beau Williams for making great progress in maths and Thomas Newman for using adjectives in his story. Fast Maths Award to Callan Wright for reaching 100 levels in Fast Maths.

Class 5/6: Student of the Week to Indira Reddie for her organisational skills and her wonderful technological knowledge. Class Awards to Hayley Callaghan, Daisy Wares, Kaila Morrison and Maddison Gaul for the successful organising and running of their 20c Day. Fast Maths Award to Brendan James for always improving.

Lansdowne Friday evenings social darts results were winner Renee Dark with Merve Turner the runner up.

Women’s highest score winner was Donna Fowler on 132. Men’s winner was Merve Turner on 100 and junior winner was Izzy Swan on 83.