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Faringdon Folly

Earnest was important -another FDS success

WELL, yet again Faringdon has conspired to take my prejudices and march them out of town at the end of a big, pointy stick. Last time it was reggae, this time it's amateur dramatics.

'Am Dram' means many things to many people. To my (now) ever lasting shame it meant overly enunciating theses, wobbly scenery and pregnant silences whilst the cast racked their brains for the right line. To put it simply, I always assumed that amateur dramatics was ... well, something that you never admitted to, like seal clubbing or listening to James Blunt.

So, it was with a certain swaggering confidence that I approached the recent production of Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by the Faringdon Dramatic Society. I knew what to expect, or thought I did.

What I actually got was a set of actors who could actually inhabit their roles and make their characters come alive. I'm sure there are some critics who say that Wilde's genius makes it pretty much impossible to turn in a bad performance of this play, but I would disagree. The fact that Earnest is so well written and observed probably makes it harder for anyone stepping into the skin of Algie, Jack, Lady Bracknell et al – as any mistakes or imperfections are always going to be laid at the feet of the actors playing them, rather than the playwright.

Earnest of course relies on the conceit that Victorian high society was inhabited by a set of ludicrously self-absorbed dandies, and it is a belief that was firmly held in place by the two leading men. Daniel Lander and Adrian Wells give us an Algie and Jack that are not only believable in their upper class pomposity, but drawn skilfully enough for both to retain their differences. Special mention should probably go to Landers here, as his reincarnation of the feckless, self-satisfied and slightly shifty Algernon could have come straight from the West End. While the whole cast was peerless in its ability to keep the audience firmly rooted in the late 1890s, another notable performance was that of Sarah Varnom, who managed to portray the battle axe-like Lady Bracknell without resorting to parody. Even though her lines are among the funniest, Varnom managed to raise laughs through her deft performance, just as much as the dialogue she delivered.

The cast's professionalism was mirrored by the production as a whole, from the on-stage scenery – which was changed effortlessly with each of the three acts – through to the sound effects and direction. The Faringdon Dramatic Society gave us a performance of such confidence and poise that I completely forgot that I was sat in the hall of the junior school on a wet Saturday night.

Among all of the things that I've not really understood since I moved to Faringdon almost two years ago (the Corn Exchange being closed to everything except quilting; the Coffee Shop's three large signs in its very small loo demanding payment; why there are six hairdressers but not one greasy spoon) I have come to the realisation that the town's arts community should never be underestimated.

Review by Ray Philpott

National Operatic & Dramatic Association

London Area Report

Society
Production
Date
Venue
Report by FARINGDON DRAMATIC SOCIETY
The Importance of Being Earnest
28-30 June 2007
Faringdon Junior School
Gareth Jeremy. Region 12

My thanks to Karen Whiffen for the invitation to cover your last production -The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

During the evening I had the opportunity to speak to the Director Jeff Barry, and some members of your Society – Chairman Gary Field, Carolyn Taylor, Debbie Lock, Karen Whiffen and Jeni Summerfield. It is nice to think that at Faringdon one is not viewed as “The Enemy” – YOU’D BE QUITE SURPRISED HOW SOME Societies view NODA Representatives!

Your Society has that warm feeling about it – where Community spirit is important. I’m sure you will get on well with The Fort Erie Theatre Company from Canada, and the return trip for you I’m sure will be an experience which you will enjoy, and learn something from. Good luck.

I have not seen your current production for some eight years – and if I’m honest, I didn’t enjoy it last time around. It was wordy, drawn out, and lacked enthusiasm by the cast – and we had twenty-six prompts! So on the way down to Faringdon on Saturday evening in the pouring rain, I wondered, what can I expect?

I had an enthusiastic cast, the show moved along with pace, every character was convincing, because they believed in themselves as that character. Whether this came from their own experiences on stage, or from the Director doesn’t really matter – they convinced the audience. Congratulations to all of you – you all seemed “hand-picked” for your roles.

Cast in order of appearance

Algernon Moncrieff (Daniel Lander) – experienced performer, his stage craft showed. Excellent diction, and good facial expressions. Made good use of the stage, and he worked well with Jack and the rest of the cast. His timing was impeccable.
Lane/Merriman (Austen Roberts) – was a very attentive butler, who did all that was asked of him, in a very dignified manner. I felt that the bushy eyebrows and hair in Acts 2/3 were a little over the top!
Jack Worthing (Adrian Wells) – was in command of his character throughout, and he and Algernon bounced off each other at a rate of knots! Some nice touches with Gwendolen.
Lady Bracknell (Sarah Varnom) – her personality beamed at you, like a powerful lighthouse flash! We were all left in no doubt as to whom was in charge. I’m surprised if the “vibrations” did not disappear from Ernest, as he was questioned as regarding his pedigree! Fine all-round performance.
Gwendolen Fairfax (Jane Isham) – good characterisation, clear diction – and she stood her ground with Lady Bracknell – nice bit of acting. The fight with Cecily looked realistic, and the contrast when you became friends worked well.
Miss Prism (Joan Lee) – I think she really enjoyed playing this character role – and again, her stage experience showed – wonderful facial expressions, especially at times towards The Rev. Canon! Again, clear, crisp diction – she also showed a special feeling towards Cecily.
Cecily Cardew (Verity Crowdson) – well suited for the role – looked innocent, but had a special “sparkle” about her character. After all, she had Ł130,000 – that would put a smile on anyone’s face!
Reverend Canon Chasuble (John Taylor) – another experienced performer, whose presence was immense. A Pillar of Society. Looked good on stage (except for those side-burns!)He stood erect, and delivered his lines with authority – and a sparkle for Miss Prism!
Footman (Tim Evans) – Did not put a foot wrong!! (Difficult part to learn!!!)
Director (Jeff Barry) and Assistant Director (Debbie Lock) – both can be proud of their achievements with this production. It was a great team effort. The directors and cast made sure that in the 21^st Century, “Earnest” remains a favourite for so many. When you think of the dictionary meaning of Earnest (sincere, arduous, serious, money paid over in token to a blind bargain, pledge, foretaste), everything was covered admirably by the cast.

Production Team

Stage Manger (Gary Field) and his Stage Crew – they carried out their tasks in a quiet efficient manner.
Set design (Sally Seymour) – the 3 Acts were very pleasing on the eye, and well thought out. Perhaps in Act 2, Centre Stage, it might have been better to fit a patio door, with a small flat beyond that, giving a view of part of the garden. It would have added an extra dimension to the set. The pastel shades used in the morning room of The Manor House were excellent.
Lighting and Sound (Ian Chandler and Gary Bates) – it was a well-lit set, and the sound effects were good, and not distorted in any way.
Piano (Kathryn Whiffen) – this she had recorded for the production on tape
Wardrobe (Jeni Summerfield and Joan Lee) – stunning costumes, in the correct period. Lady Bracknell’s Act 3 costume was outstanding. The men’s costumes from Bath Theatrical Costumes also looked good, were clean and well-fitting. Congratulations on the shoe shine – the butler must have had his work cut out! Your Society is so fortunate to have two such talented and dedicated ladies to look after your wardrobe – many a Society would give their right hand for such talent. If you had to hire all your costumes, it would cost a small fortune, and many would not be to the same quality that you are used to. They deserve an Oscar. Long may they continue their talent on behalf of your Society. Congratulations.
Props (Kate Tempest) – had work3ed hard, I’m sure, to gather and co-ordinate all that you had on Set, plus individual props – no mean task.
Prompt (Karen Whiffen) – a thankless task – but so important, as all casts know – and you did not let the side down!
Programme (Dave Headey) – all the information was provided on good quality paper, and easy to read in subdues light – so important for so many people these days. Photographs of the cast were clear.
Make-Up – no mention in the programme. I think it is important for someone to “oversee” this important area of any production. If any Society is striving for professional standards, then one would not expect laughter (as we had) due to, in my humble opinion, the way the character appeared – and this should not have been the case. The hair should have been “teased out”, and not put on the face like a clump – and the colour must be blended to the character’s natural hair. Just a small point, when one is striving for perfection. Another small point (nothing to do with make-up) – when sitting down, tails should be flicked back, not sat on – also I would have preferred the butler to have been handed the hat and gloves, rather than pick them up from the table!
Front of House Co-ordinator (Denise Monk) – her team of Front of House Staff make you feel welcomed, with their smiles, their Faringdon T-shirts, NODA long-service medals – and above all encourage you to buy a raffle ticket, programme or a refreshing drink at the bar.

Thank you for another enjoyable evening, and the best of luck with your venture in September.

Gareth Jeremy, Region 12, London Area

Oxfordshire Drama Network

ODN Review

The Importance of Being Earnest – Oscar Wilde

As it is some time since we saw this play, we felt that we could review without any recent experience to colour our pleasure.

Opening scene showed a very good set, complete with portrait of Wild. Furniture good and very melodic music off stage. This was performed by Kathryn Whiffen, a member of the group and a very talented musician. Pity she didn’t take a bow.

A bit of cast doubling up by Austen Roberts who played both Lane (Algernon’s butler) and Merriman (Jack’s country butler). An example of good characterisation as both is completely different. Well done Austen.

After a bit of nervousness to begin with, Daniel Lander grew into the part of Algernon and did not make the mistake of talking with his mouth full of cucumber sandwiches (believe me it has been done!).

Similarly Adrian Wells was a little nervous to start but again swiftly got over it to give a competent performance of Jack.

Lady Bracknell, played by Sarah Varnon was unique. No trying to copy any previous portrayal. The “handbag” speech was cleverly given, with the “handbag” not over the top. An example of how trying it in a different manner works as well, if not better, than the original. A beautifully stony face at times. Not a person to meddle with. Laughter pauses expertly timed.

On to the two charming and very silly girls Gwendolin and Cecily – Jayne Isham and Verity Crowsdon respectively. Both girls making their debut with Faringdon D.S. and both will, no doubt, be seen on stage again. Two lovely parts and it was obvious that they were enjoying playing these daft, romantic dollies with just a touch of steel in their characters.

That leaves Miss Prism and Reverend Canon Chasuble. The Rev. was delightfully played by John Taylor and his costume was superb. Miss Prism, to me, was one of the best I have ever seen. Joan Lee showed once again what a good actor she is.

A lovely bit of nonsense, which of course was exactly what Wilde was aiming for. The years do not detract from the pleasure of the piece. As the programme quoted: “we should treat all trivial things very seriously and all serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality”.

Thank you Faringdon Dramatic Society

Jackie Heath