AS one member of Largs Writers’ Group put it himself, their annual production of sketches was a coat of many colours at Lounge last Wednesday and Thursday.

AS one member of Largs Writers’ Group put it himself, their annual production of sketches was a coat of many colours at Lounge last Wednesday and Thursday.

The writers, appearing as Skelph - a splinter group - acted out no fewer than 26 of their own sketches to full houses in the Main Street restaurant.

Not every item was a gem but, in the main, the writing was of a good, inventive, creative standard which had some diamond moments and loud laughs.

Organiser Jack Muir was the most prolific writer with a variety of themes and prose which went down well in the ‘pie and a pint’ atmosphere.

In fact, he kicked off with “Thirst” involving Ina Baxter, Alison Green and George Whitestone and a classic punchline of “Are You Taking The P**s?” He was adept at using rhyme as in ‘Vehicles’ which involved the whole ensemble of Val Gumley, Ina Baxter, Helen Macari, Joanie Duff, Ann Danabie, Alison Green, Rose Oliver, Jim Hardie, George Whitestone, Bill Douglas and Jack himself.

Several sketches showcased the acting talents of Alison Green and Rose Oliver who were like a female Francie and Josie act, whether as gossips in ‘Coffee’ written by Rose, or in the excellent ‘Bigger Than Big’ featuring a voluminous bra. Alison demonstrated her comedy talents again as the wife of I.M Jolly, starting with her deadpan ‘Hello.’ Speaking of accomplished actors, local thespians Val Gumley and George Whitestone popped up to good effect in several items.

Two very good sketches were ‘Men’ and ‘Birds’, the former involving Helen Macari and Alison in the whys and wherefores of KY jelly. “It works like WD 40,” explained Helen to high hilarity. ‘Birds’ had Jack, Bill Douglas and Ina Baxter wearing big yellow beaks with a lot of squawking going on.

One of the clever sketches ‘Einstein’, by Angus Livingstone, had Jim Hardie reading the theory of relativity to the background of a ladies’ keep fit class!

Unintentional funny moments included Ina Baxter and Helen Macari falling off their chairs as they performed ‘Bookends’ by Jack Muir, and Alison Green was still in the pub loo when one of her sketches was announced by the stage manager/mc Ross McCallum.

The ensemble even finished with a farewell song after an enjoyable evening. Largs Writers’ Group will recommence on Monday mornings in September at Largs Masonic Club.