Wimborne Drama Productions 
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 
Chaz Davenport 
20 February 2025
For this production of a play I’d never heard of, I thought I could look up stuff about it beforehand to get some “prep” in, or I could go to the Tivoli, sit back in my seat and let the production tell me the story and see if it gets to me. I went for the latter and I’m glad I did.
Obviously, the title does give a little bit of information as to the subject matter, but there are plays aplenty about weddings and such that I was keen to see what this could do to tell me something I don’t know about the stresses and strains of getting hitched.
So, what makes this a story about the Worst Wedding Ever? Well, it centres largely around a somewhat passive-aggressively forceful mother of the bride, taking over the plans and proceedings with what is her view of how a wedding should be, while the young couple would really, really just prefer something small and quiet – Mum wants ostentatious and showy – so much so, she’s already made lots of arrangements.
This is an exceptionally well written and well presented play, which has so many more layers to it than a simple farcical wedding story as it progresses. Director Tracey Nicholls is to be congratulated on the choice of play and for the clear and tight direction that has gone into this piece.
Now for the performances. Thanks to that writing, direction and some superbly paced and delivered acting, roles that could become almost two-dimensional caricatures develop depth and meaning as each backstory is brought to life with skilled expression and presentation from all.
As the couple, Jo Eva Edington (Rachel) and Rob Cording-Cook show a great deal of chemistry and really crackle on well together with pace and believability. Gary Paine as the long suffering, affable and a little unhinged Dad makes you feel for him (I’m a middle aged man – I’m allowed to sympathise).
As the aforementioned forceful Mum, Tracie Billington-Beardsley absolutely shines and gives, for my money, an acting masterclass as we discover her truths and personality layers.
Then, we have the bride’s sister. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to put “bitchy” in a review, but I’ve just done it! Michelle Barter as “Aiison” does very well here and what starts off as a bit of a deplorable, bitchy-sister person, becomes someone we care about.
An absolute gift of a role goes to Tony Feltham – on the one hand, he is Mike, Alison’s ex husband, but on the other hand, he provides the voice to some fabulous musical interludes between scenes. I don’t want to say too much about this aspect of the show, as it could spoil the surprise, but this is a fantastic and very entertaining device between scenes that puts me in mind of the movie There’s Something About Mary. It’s just brilliant. You’ll see!
Able support, and another bunch of back-story creativity, comes from David Beddard-Banks as Graham, the inappropriate vicar, Callum Hearne as Andy, the ne’er-do-well brother, and Kira Bradford and Suzanne Viney taking on multiple roles, doing a great job and having a lot of fun doing so.
The set is terrific and very functional, with some surprises. Top marks to Nick Clark for his design and Chandler Whitelock for the lighting. Good work with the sound too from Colin Pile.
Overall, this is a great play and a great night out. The packed house at the Tivoli Theatre was particularly gratifying to see. There are still some tickets for Friday 21 February evening and for the Saturday 22 February, matinee and evening performances.
