 National
Operatic & Dramatic Association
London Area Report
|
It was a pleasure to accept Debbie Lock's invitation to review another of your
Society's productions. May I congratulate your organization, on reaching it's
50th Birthday; long may it continue.
The Play - HABEAS CORPUS - as mentioned in the programme, this was one of Alan
Bennett's earliest plays and it was a gem of it's time. It is also in fashion
these days, as people wish to remind themselves of what happened during that
era. (60's & 70's).
The Set.
Peter and Jo Webster are to be congratulated on the simplicity, but
effectiveness of the set. We are all aware of the limitations of the stage,
especially the depth that one has to work with. It may possibly have been
improved if some 12ft x 4ft flats would have been placed on either side of the
stage, rather than the black drapes, to give the appearance of more depth and
painted in a light colour and then the lighting effect using different 'gels'
may have helped.
Lighting and Sound.
Gary Bates, Ken Brown and Martin Whiffen. On the whole this was good. Some of
the follow spots were not correct at the start of the play and sometimes actors
on the extremities of the stage were not lit up, or only partially lit. This
most probably improved during the run of the play, as the plot became better
known to the helpers.
I would like to ask - how long before a show do the lighting/sound crew have a
script and lighting plot of a show? months, weeks, or a few days before the
show, when it is being rigged? I feel sorry for many 'back stage crew' as they
only receive their instructions, JUST BEFORE THE DRESS REHEARSAL.
Wouldn't it be helpful, to have greater liaison/communication between all the
production teams.
Wardrobe.
Joan Lee—and Jeni Summerfield, had done a good job and all the characters looked
good on stage, dressed as required for the time.
Make-up.
On some of the cast, there seemed a lack of make-up; under the lights, a few
looked very pale, looked as if they needed to consult a doctor, in contrast,
Cannon Throbbing looked good. Characterization and facial makeup are essential,
especially the fine tuning, e.g. where a very slight ageing is necessary;
greying at the temples, a few shadows here and there would have done the trick.
Mrs. Wicksteed, I think needed a slight 'toning down' or powdering, as it looked
as if she had just returned from a long holiday in the South of France. (Perhaps
she had, without her husband - Dr. Wicksteed. Congratulations to the cast, that
no Prompt was mentioned on the credits of the Production Team; you are one of
the few casts that I have known to be WORD PERFECT.
The Programme was plain and simple, but gave us the information required and
could be read in semi-darkness.
Many thanks to all those working Backstage and Front of House, all so important
to the success of any production.
The Cast.
Dr. Arthur Wicksteed - Tim Reeves; seemed at ease in the character, looked a
typical small, rural community doctor. Good diction and good facial expressions
- especially when 'eyeing up' Felicity. This is the first time that I had seen
this actor with you. Well done.
Muriel Wicksteed - Sarah Varnom. An experienced actress, having seen her before
in 'Witness for the Prosecution' and 'Lark Rise'. Her presence on stage was felt
at all times, - very demanding - good use of the eyes and hips, when trying to
seduce Mr.Shanks and Sir Percy, have you ever tried 'belly dancing'? Worked well
as the husband and wife team. A Rood contrast.
Dennis Wicksteed - Gary Thompson. Poor Dennis - all together- Ah. Played the
part very well, got into his character and played it throughout, with feeling
and sincerity; you almost believed he hadn't long to live. Far more to do than
in Lark Rise. I enjoyed your performance. 'Well done.
Constance Wicksteed - Lucy Walden - again one can say 'Ah.' poor Constance, but
what a difference the 'Wonder Bra' can make to one's personality. Another
experienced campaigner, who knows how to use her stage personality. Excellent
contrast from the 'flat chested' lady - to the well endowed lady, excellent use
of the 'flashing' eyes. She certainly knew how to entice the Vicar and twist him
round her little finger. Another fine performance.
Mrs. Swabb - Theresa Moon. This was the first time that I have seen this actress
on the boards, for your Society. This was a superb performance, the linchpin
between all the actors - who kept us all on our toes, the ideal charlady, who
knew how to keep a secret for 10seconds - a cross between Ena Sharples and Thora
Hird. (No offence). This was a cameo part from the top drawer. Good clear
diction, excellent facial expressions and superb timing.
Congratulations.
Cannon Throbbing - Paul Garratt. I was impressed by Paul in Lark Rise and having
seen him play the Vicar now, he is very adaptable at character parts. He looked
the part, he played the part and he kept up his particular posture throughout.
I'm not so sure if I would like to meet him riding his bicycle down some of the
narrow streets of Faringdon. Excellent stage presence; I liked many of his
scenes, the balance between him and Constance, his sincerity for her appeared
very real and was convincing. Very good performance.
Lady Rumpers - Carole Tappenden. Seems type-cast for this kind of part. Last
seen in 'Witness for the Prosecution'. She kept up the character throughout 'cut
glass image', at times, the diction dropped a little only when there was a
slight hesitation in knowing the script, word perfect. Looked good on stage and
I think that Carole enjoyed playing the character.
Felicity Pumpers - Karen Pearce. Looked good on stage and certainly did not help
the Dr.'s blood pressure and certainly made Dennis a MAN. Good contrast in her
character when required and certainly gave the cast something to think about. A
convincing performance. The first I have seen her with the Society.
Mr.Shanks - Roger Leitch. I expected this character to be more flamboyant and
the extrovert photographer who would also have been the 'salesman', who could
sell 'sand to the Arabs'. However we had a completely different character and he
was 'pole-axed' by Mrs.Wicksteed; and came over well as the down-trodden wimp.
He may have been embarrassed by not having trousers to wear for most of the
production. Did you enjoy playing the character? If you did - then you gave a
very convincing performance that YOU DIDN'T.
Sir Percy Shorter - Dave Peadey. Another experienced actor, who knows how to use
the stage to his advantage. Good contrast in his character from panic to
complete serenity. I liked the cameo, (Little and Large)- between himself and
Muriel Wicksteed, who was trying to rekindle the flame of years gone by. Facial
expressions were excellent, from dead pan to the 'flicker' of 'thanks for the
memory'. Another first class performance.
Mr.Purdue - David Campbell. Very convincing portrayal, but nobody seemed to take
him seriously, I liked the lighting effect when he tried to hang himself at the
end Act 1. Convincing performance. Last time seen in LarkRise.
The Production.
Director - Jo Webster; Producer - Debbie Lock; and Assistant Director -Debra
Keasal.
What an interesting show to direct. Jo and Debbie have led Faringdon D.S. to
another success. You are fortunate in having such a talented and enthusiastic
group of actors around you, willing to give of their best. Everyone entered into
their character and gave the impression that they were enjoying themselves and
giving entertainment to others. There were so many entrancing scenes, all
different, lots of variety and all bringing out different emotions - joy,
pathos, anxiety, embarrassment, etc., but above all the play flowed and had pace
and as mentioned earlier, the impresario for me, was Mrs.Swabb, the way she kept
us, the audience, on our toes, and thinking- what ever next.
My thanks to the whole company for such a happy production. Thanks again for the
invitation to attend and for the usual friendly hospitality.
Very best wishes to you all.
GARETH JEREMY.
REGION 12.
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