The Harrogate Advertiser, Fri March 15th, 1991

Yet another charming play has been unearthed by the highly regarded Harrogate Dramatic Society for this third and penultimate production in the current season.
Breath Of Spring which has its last performances tonight and tomorrow and has been a complete sell-out is set in 1960-61 but is as topical and entertaining as ever. Dame Beatrice Appleby, excellently played by Iris Mitchell who performes the telephone scene to perfection, leads a gang of friends intent on stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Their antics and careful planning, hilariously co-ordinated by the military discipline of Brigadier Rayne makes for a very funny, and a times touching production. Both Dame Beatrice, and the Brigadier (John Mallett), who really looked the part, are ideally cast and Lisa Garside is very believable with her cockney accent as former jailbird, Lily Thompson.
There's a touch of romance too as Dame Beatrice rivals for the affections of the Brigadier with Lady Miller, again well-played by Ann Moorby.
The plot dictates that each gang member should have his or her own personality and all six provide that contrast. Sylvia Iveson is particularly funny as the ultra-nervous Hattie, adding those little touches like continously twisting her hankie while the American and French accents of Gay Tudor as Nan could not be faulted.
With a mountain of dialogue, a few forgotten lines on opening night can be excused and failed to spoil anyone's enjoyment.
Every comment on close of curtain was one of praise and director Joan Mallett should have every reason to feel well-satisfied.