ALDERNEY’S thespians performed Abigail’s Party at the island’s cinema last week – and a fine show it was too.

Members of the Theatre Group began rehearsing the Mike Leigh play, which was originally aired as part of the BBC’s Play for Today series a number of weeks ago, and I was invited along to their second performance last Friday evening.

Alex Birch and Steve Waddicor took the lead roles of Beverly and Lawrence – a feuding couple who had fallen out of love. Mr Waddicor, who also directed the black comedy, excellently portrayed Lawrence, a workaholic estate agent with an interest in the finer things in life, while Ms Birch cleverly performed the role of Beverly, a middle-class, middle-minded wife locked in 1970s suburbia.

Angela, Beverly’s new friend, was played by Tess Woodnutt and her performance stole the show.

Ms Woodnutt successfully got to grips with her character’s quirky personality and perfectly portrayed the annoying wife who didn’t know when to keep her opinions, specifically about her marriage, to herself.

Lee Flewitt took on the role of Tony, Angela’s husband, and his subtle style fitted in perfectly alongside Ms Birch and Ms Woodnutt. Flewitt’s one-word replies often endeared his character to Beverly, who by the end of the night was flirting openly with him and dancing suggestively in his vicinity.

Sue, the mother of Abigail, the rebellious teenager who was having her first party next door to Beverly’s gathering, was played by Julie Turner and her performance was also well received.

The play was aided by an impressive set and numerous props which looked as if they’d been plucked right from 1977. Angela’s glasses were especially good and I could swear the duvet used to cover Lawrence following his fatal heart attack belonged to my grandmother.

All in all a superb effort from everyone involved. The dramatic final scene left everyone in the audience wanting more, so I hope it won’t be too long before another performance crops up.

Protesters have demanded the States of Alderney scraps its plan to cull a flock of feral chickens which roosts close to the airport. (0576092)

The island’s death row chickens are still being talked about, especially as the States has still to decide what to do with them.

Alderney’s General Services Committee said the feral flock, which roosts close to the airport, would be culled unless members of the public rehoused it.

In case you’re not aware, the GSC says it possesses ‘strong evidence’ that the flock poses a serious threat to the island’s water supply but there has been no sign of a cull since the two-week deadline for rehoming passed last week, despite the fact only half of the 50-strong flock has been moved.

Furthermore, GSC member Frank Dean has said it is ‘not necessary’ to reveal details of the strong evidence the States has concerning the pollution of the Bonne Terre water catchment.

Bird lover Jeanne Mapp, who feeds the chickens twice a day, said: ‘It seems to be stalemate at the moment.

‘We have suggested a number of alternative homes for the chickens but it doesn’t look like the States is going to budge.’

I believe this matter has moved beyond a simple animal-welfare issue.

The chickens may be a landmark and may be loved by many in the island, but the most concerning fact here is that the States is not being open about a seemingly clear-cut situation. These animals are either posing a serious threat or they aren’t, so why not reveal the scientific ‘proof’ and ease the public’s fears?

Finally, congratulations to Richard Willmott and Bill Walden, the Alderney States members who were last week elected to serve on two of Guernsey’s most influential departments.

Let’s hope their appointments mean Alderney’s voice in the Bailiwick is heard loud and clear.