By Eva Trieger
LA MESA, California — An adage of unknown parentage, often misattributed to Mark Twain, is most appropriate to the way in which Lettice Douffet (Bobbi Randall) operates in the play Lettice and Lovage: “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Peter Shaffer’s comedy relates this engaging maxim.
Miss Douffet is employed by the Preservation Trust, an historic concern that provides tours around London. Fustian house, though historic, has a lackluster story, that is, until Lettice spices it up. Her imagination and her desire to “improve upon history when necessary” is not appreciated by everyone.
In fact, one person, who is less than impressed with Ms. Douffet’s colorful interpretation of history is her boss, Miss Lotte Shoen (Linda Benning). After witnessing first-hand the theatrical and dynamic tales Douffet tells her guests, the flamboyant tour guide is relieved of her duties.
Despite the Preservation officer’s exterior reserve, she too is fighting against being “mere” or “gray.” Shoen takes pity on Douffet and even seeks out another post where Lettice might apply her talent and estimable knowledge of British history. The repartee between the two is quick-witted and amusing, but their exchanges reveal the different ways in which each woman addresses the world.
For Lettice, she follows the example of her mother, a thespian, and take-charge sort of woman. Her credo of enlightening and enlivening others has taken root in Lettice, and she boldly re-invents history to engage others and draw them in. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Charlotte “Lotte” Schoen, appears to have been beaten down by an establishment that follows rules and stays in its lane.
Additional cast members step in as tourists, historians, secretary and legal counsel. Miss Farmer (Ali Impey), secretary to Ms. Schoen plays the fumbling, nervous underling to her abrasive boss. Mr. Randolph (Guyren Howe) is the patient lawyer assigned to clarify Lettice’s story and wade through her antics and tangential talk.
The director, Melissa Malloy, returned to Lamplighters for this, her second show, and her intuitive guidance was evidenced by the impressive and often hilarious line delivery and staging of the actors. The actors played off of each other with obvious delight and chemistry. The producer Pamela Stompoly, and current artistic director, was also responsible for the fun, colorful costumes, props and set dressing. The production team included the talents of Midge Makowski, Dennis Floyd, Cynthis Bloodgood, River Baig and Dave Gallagher.
Lettice and Lovage runs through Sept.21, 2025 and tickets may be purchased at boxoffice@lamplighterslamesa.com or by phone at 619.303.5092
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Eva Trieger is a freelancer specializing in the coverage of the arts