The Wind in the Willows

National Operatic & Dramatic Association London Area Report

My thanks to RACHEL for the invitation to review your latest production. I was met by DEBBIE LOCK - who was very calm, considering the work which had to be done by so many folk in preparing the sixty seven children in the cast, before curtain up at 7.30p.m. I have said in the past, that your Society has a true 'Community Spirit', and this was certainly the case for this production with so many youngsters involved, and hopefully, more people will support the production. With such a large cast, it would be impossible for me to single out each individual character, so, much of the report will be general remarks.

DIRECTORS - DEBBIE LOCK and CAROLYN TAYLOR are to be congratulated on instilling such discipline into such a large cast, I'm sure they had a lot of support from other adults in the cast. Faringdon Community College stage fitted the bill for such a production; having such a wide stage to work on, and the opening chorus number was spectacular, when we saw so many animals appear to sing the opening number. As there were so many people on stage, I would have liked to have seen more use made of 'the built on ' stage, below the main one. During some of the 'big numbers' - animals could have been placed in 'groups' about the stage. This would have 'broken up' so many of the straight lines that we saw during the show. It may have been done in straight lines for a good reason - but the visual effect I think would have been better in 'family groups' e.g. Hedgehogs, Rabbits etc. The main principals worked well together, however at times, the pace dropped off - some of the dialogue was not crisp and sharp enough. A good tip maybe to get groups of principals who may have a lot to say together, to sit in a circle during early rehearsal times and go through the lib at a brisk pace this helps the continuity of parts of a play.

TOAD - played by JOAN LEE; kept up her character throughout. Good clear diction, ;7i t~i—very good make-up. She also kept up her mannerisms throughout, and eye contact was good. Some of the duets with mole were sung in harmony, but unfortunately we could not hear the words clearly.

MOLE - LOIS WELLS. Played the part well, and was sympathetic towards Toad.

RAT - CLEVE FORTY. Looked good, and sang well with clear diction. Made good use or rowing the boat - I wish we would have had some 'sound effects' when they arrived back at Ratty's house. We did have the sound of water later on - but not when Mole nearly capsized the boat.

BADGER - JOHN TAYLOR. Good, strong voice, with excellent make-up. I would have liked to have seen hand make-up for many of the cast, especially for principals - hands are so important, and should look as if they've been made up in character. The contrast and rivalry between Ratty and Badger for Toad came over very well.

ALBERT - JO WEBSTER. This is a gem of a part. Albert had the sympathy of everyone in the audience. Good diction, excellent facial expressions, and really got into character. Well done.

CHIEF WEASEL - GARY THOMPSON- WEASEL NORMAN - KAREN WHIFFEN. Looked the part and delivered their lines welt. However, 1 would have liked to have seen them wear dark glasses, hunch their shoulders on occasions, look around more and be more menacing; and I would have liked to have seen Weasel Norman's hair tucked up under her hat. This also applied to the other weasels. Variation was also required as to how they made their entrances and exits, not just straight on and straight off!!.

WASHERWOMAN - ROGER LEITCH; entered into the spirit of the part, and seemed to have enjoyed the character.

BARGEWOMAN - CLAIRE FORTY; came over well, and seemed to enjoy the role. I would have liked her to have had 'rosy cheeks' to indicate the 'outdoor' life, and perhaps, smoking a clay pipe.

TRAIN DRIVER - DAVE HEADEY; did all that was asked of him. Perhaps his face could have looked a little dirtier on a steam train - and there was no evidence of dirt on his hands!

FOX - ALEX OLIVER. Looked good, I would liked to have seen a sly expression at times, instead of a broad smile.

The other principals all contributed to the smooth running of the production, namely
MAGISTRATE/GYPSY - KATIE DYET; OTTER/RUPERT - NICK COARD;
PORTLY - GEORGE MORTON; MONICA - KATHRYN WHIFFEN:
GAOLER'S DAUGHTER - GRACE ANDERSON; MAGISTRATES CLERK - CAROLE TAPPENDEN.
In the opening of Act 2 I was very impressed by GRACE ANDERSON singing 'Wouldn't it be lovely'. She had a very pleasant voice to listen to, and I'm sure she will do well in the future; you had excellent stage presence. Well done.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR - KAREN PRICE; had her orchestra well in control - it was pleasing to see so many young people playing, I think I counted seven. Well done, to all of you. One of the problems when the M.D. is playing an instrument (piano) and not conducting - it is difficult to keep a balance between orchestra and singers. There were times when the orchestra was too loud for the singers; it was difficult to pick up their words on stage. Otherwise the tone and balance of the players was good.

There were many people involved behind the scenes. These people are just as important as those in front of the lights. Team effort on and off the stage is so important for the success of any production. At Faringdon you seem to have this blend.

I liked the SET DESIGN of KATE LORD, and the set construction of all those who helped, and the SET ARTWORK of REBECCA FULTON. I particularly liked the tree behind Badger's house, and the well constructed boat, car, and barge. The set was well lit by IAN CHANDLER, and the effect looked good on the backcloth, e.g. looking at the clear sky and new moon. There were a few occasions when some principals were not fully lit e.g. in Badger's house.

The WARDROBE was in the capable hands of SHARON GERRY, JOAN LEE, and JENI SUMMERFIELD; a lot of hard work had been done in the forward planning, and making of costumes. Were any of them from professional costumiers? Congratulations to all of you, including those helpers who were drafted in, as mentioned in the programme.

The PROGRAMME by DAVE HEADEY was simple, clear, and had all the information relative to the show. It was interesting to read some of the delights of Alan Bennett's script in stage directions.

I do like to see FRONT of HOUSE STAFF dressed for the occasion; displaying any N.O.D.A. Long Service Awards those individual's have received. This was the case on Thursday evening, so may I congratulate FRONT of HOUSE COORDINATOR - DENISE MONK; who may have been responsible for this course of action. The first people the audience meet are Front of House, and the tone of the evening is set from then on. First impressions are in my opinion, important.

Your Society once again provided good entertainment to the people of Faringdon and District, and long may it continue. I now look forward to your production (outdoors) in June. I hope the weather shines on you.

Gareth Jeremy.
Region 12.
NODA LONDON For Services to Amateur Theatre

Oxfordshire Drama Network

ODN Review

The logistics of coping with such a large number in make-up — squirrels, hedgehogs, field mice, rabbits — seems a nightmare, but they were so well organised and their entrances/exits on stage in such numbers was well choreographed.

The audience was almost overwhelmed by their enthusiastic choral participation. However, they certainly were not allowed to upstage the main characters Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger. The costumes were well designed and their accentuated make-up reinforced the well rehearsed characters they portrayed.

Led by Joan Lee as Toad (not quite as ebullient as I would have wished) Ratty and Mole were both expertly played by Cleve Forty and Lois Wells, respectively and a stoic performance from John Taylor as Badger complete a very good team.

Full marks also to Gary Thompson as Chief Weasel for being so nasty, but even I thought he had gone over the top when he selected his supper by literally picking up a dear little sleeping rabbit and carrying it off. No wonder the audience booed. Nightmares are made of this!

The scenery was basic but some wonderful touches brought it to life. The "working" boat, caravan and barge were well worth the effort and Badger's sett so realistic.

Most of the lighting plot was effective, particularly the crescent moon but unfortunately the snowstorm was lost.

Faringdon D.S. are one of the few societies who still maintain live music with their shows and their orchestra was well balanced musically, unobtrusive and very well rehearsed and they certainly enhanced my entertainment.

I only wish the directors had ignored the temptation of introducing panto style audience participation and the finale community song. Just a personal preference folks.

Overall an exceedingly good and very enjoyable production and I am sure all their audiences were very happy with this substitute for the usual panto.

Tony Heath
Oxfordshire Drama Network

Panto Competition 2002/2003

The front of house team were welcoming and friendly to all. The programme was nice and simple; good clear print and nicely laid out.
The director used the whole stage and a few extras with walking through audience and Badgers house. Well done.
The lighting was good and covered well. The camp fire was set off brilliantly by the mood lighting.
The opening number was nice and bright, happy start with good positioning.
The stage "vehicles were wonderful and added a real air of professionalism. Other props were well used and adequate.
Ratty was lovely and kept the rat like air all the way through. I would have liked to see him busier at times and a few more mood changes — he was always the same.
Mole was quite delightful and absolutely perfect — I went to a production of Toad at the Swan 2 weeks after Faringdon and Lois knocked spots off that mole — many many congratulations.
I loved otter and son — good costuming. Nice touch.
The baby rabbits and hedgehog coming on between scenes were lovely- but we must teach people to find the light even at this young age.
Uptails all song was very catchy and well performed.
In between scenes, try not to close the curtains — they only slow the action down. It really is not necessary with good lighting techniques.
Toad was lovely — perfect for role — seemed to really love it. I would say that one only makes a I' entrance once — so make sure it is a good one_ could have been a bit more oomph! It came later, but would have been better at the beginning too.
Watch positioning in front of the caravan, Ratty was stood right in front of the window most of the audience could see nothing of toad inside.
The horse — what can I say — what a wonderful performance — what timing — fantastic — TOP MARKS
The baddies were aptly dressed and all were suitably nasty — without scaring kids to death. Good performances by Karen and Gary. Good team work by all.
Good effects of moon and stars — not quite so convinced by the snow
Good set changes — slick and did not interfere with the action — so again, curtain not needed with such a good back stage crew.
Pacing by Rat and Toad to caravan exit was good — right feeling of strolling along.
Baby rabbit which was taken — did not move — brilliant- not a flicker- brought tears to my eyes.
All the songs were well done, but occasionally the words were drowned by the wonderful orchestra. Good to have live music. Well done all
Badger was delightful and well played. Nice contrast to other parts.
Engine of car starting to move was a tiny bit late as car had already started to move. "We could have been anything" was a good number with some fine movement.
The scene where mole was beaten up was again well tackled so as not to be too scary. Well done
Remember when you wear a radio mike where is it? Don't wrap your scarf around it Toad — it does not work so well.
Court scene was a little cluttered — did not seem to be so well staged — a lot of masking of toad. Maybe too many on stage? Not sure — did not quite work.
When Toad came on to his cell he acted the moment he was on view — even if the lights were not on — well done
Gaolers daughter had the best singing voice of the whole pantomime competition. Well done Grace, you were a delight to hear.
Train Drive was great — good mime action — we knew exactly what he was doing all the time. Timing and sound effects were super.
"Shake it like that" nice sound contrast to quiet songs.
The community singing was nice and well done. Good to see sweets handed out and not thrown — this is dangerous and must not happen anymore — I have seen a lantern broken and a cut head.
The finale was delightful and the whole show was very good. I did find this very long and wondered what mums and little children thought.
I was particularly impressed by the chorus discipline- they knew exactly where they should be all the time. Quite an achievement. Well done to you all. Wonderful show
Poop! Poop!