MACK and Mabel was always going to be a test for Lochgelly and District Amateur Musical Association (LADAMA ) but the consistency of the performances in last week's run certainly impressed audiences.

Technically it is a difficult show, no doubt about it, but the cast, under the expert leadership of director Margaret Paul and choreographers Lia Tazioli, Elinor Burns and Yvonne Tait, did a superb job of getting this very funny story over to the Lochgelly Centre gatherings. 

The excellent orchestra, under musical director Suzanne Stewart, was also a key factor.

The M and M story is about film producer Mack Sennet and actress Mabell Normand and how Mack helped strongly influence Mabel’s progress on the stage.

The show has several hilarious sequences and also some outstanding dance routines.

In the Lochgelly cast, Mack and Mabel is dominated by the leads and Mark Grieve, as Mack Sennett, and Pauline McGeevor as Mabel, were the perfect people to gel this production.

Pauline portrays the, at times, troubled actress superbly and her acting and singing talents are a joy to behold.

Lottie Ames, Mack’s hired hand, is a very important role in M and M and in Laura Campbell they have someone who adjusts perfectly to this none too easy role.

Indeed, her performance of ‘Tap your Troubles Away’ in Act Two was a stand out.

Fatty Arbuckle is a legendary funny man and in Andrew Gardiner, LADAMA found the ideal artiste to take on the role and have the audience laughing from virtually him taking the stage.

The other principals played their part in making this a very good show.

David Mutch, a popular member of the Lochgelly cast, plays the role of William D Taylor, the film producer who persuades Mabel there can be life without Sennett, but alas pays for it with his life.

Craig Tait looked like he thoroughly enjoyed the role of script writer Frank while the same can be said of Ali Fleming as Kessel, while Kevin Keir thrives in the role of Mr Baumann.

They added real humour to the tale in their roles of the bankrollers of the Sennett studio.

The performances of the supporting principals was another important part of the success of this show.

A good Lochgelly and District Amateur Musical Association production and David Wardle’s pictures capture the style of M and M.