Tenby Players have been serving up an Easter treat with their staging of 'The Lion in Winter', by James Goldman, which opened in front of an enthusiastic audience at the town's De Valence Pavilion last Thursday evening.

The story of this engrossing award-winning drama is set in the French castle home of Henry II, a 12th century king of the Barbarians - imposingly played by David Owen - and follows the volatile relationship he has with his imprisoned wife, Eleanor (Hilary Harvey again in fine form).

They cannot agree which of their three sons will become the next King of England.

Indeed, the production - in the very capable hands of director Len Harvey - features six other main characters who complete the family line-up and those close, and weaves a fascinating tale of deception, jealousy and want for power.

The king has to decide who he will leave his kingdom to once he's gone: his eldest son, Prince Richard, played by Andrew Davies, who is strong and passionate, with experience of war, or his youngest, who has always been the favourite, and the king's choice if he can dispose of Richard's jealousy.

Middle son, Prince Geoffrey (Steve Butler) also lends his weight to the intrigue and, as the plot unfolds, it reveals some bitter, twisted family relationships, the end product of which is a breakdown in communication, with the compelling action on stage seeing everyone trying to play everyone else against each other for their own personal gain. Add to this, poor relations and the threat of war from France, and you have a recipe for tension and split loyalties!

With each change of scene, the impressive set conveyed just the right mood to the audience, and with some eye-catching special effects thrown in for good measure, everyone was kept enthralled throughout.

The performances from all members of the cast (not forgetting the important backstage crew) were excellent, with all overcoming any first night nerves they may have had - a clear tribute to the unstinting dedication given to the production by all those involved.

Stephen Perkins, as Phillipe, King of France, also performed with aplomb, while the two young characters, Lloyd Ayris, as youngest son, Prince John, and Robyn Hickling, as Henry's love interest and mistress Alais Capet, strode the boards with apparent ease and confidence.

Indeed, the Players' future looks assured, for their performances were certainly on a par with the company's other inspired stalwarts, with all combining in another top-drawer display for local theatre-goers.

Credit must also go to Len Harvey, whose immaculate direction gave the play a fluidity that never ceased throughout. Even the scene changes ran without a hitch - which for a first night is no mean feat!

Others behind the scenes included: stage manager - Lesley Rotchford; wardrobe - Griggles, Tenby; lighting - David Thomas; sound - Len Harvey; continuity/rehearsal prompt - Lesley Rotchford; stage crew - Lou Carnell-Evans, Jackie Hickling, Rhob Pattinson; set design - Len Harvey; publicity - Joyce Owen; programme and front of house - Joni Whitfield.

Curtain falls on 'The Lion in Winter' tomorrow (Saturday), but this (Friday) evening it takes a break from the De Valence Pavilion as it hits the road for a one-night staging at the Queen's Hall, Narberth.

At both venues the doors will be open at 7.30 pm and the curtain time will be at 8 pm.

Tickets are £5 (concessions £4) and are available at each venue from 7.30 pm. Tickets are also on sale at Kilgetty Information Office.

DYLAN DAVIES