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I Thought I Heard A Rustling
A comedy by
Alan Plater
Director: Gary Field
21,22,23 May 2009
Faringdon Junior School
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Faringdon Folly FROM the outside you wouldn't think that a play about the goings-on at a local branch library would be a great subject for an entertaining play. But when you learn that the playwright is Alan Plater, one of Britain's top TV writers whose CV goes from Z Cars to the Flambards, as well as other plays and novels, it suddenly gets more interesting. The Faringdon Dramatic Society put on three performances of Alan Plater's 'I Thought I Heard A Rustling' at the Junior School over the Bank Holiday weekend in May. The play is set in London in the early 90's and to set the scene an unknown Geordie 'poet' Bill Robson, has been selected as the branch's writer-in-residence. The trouble is he can't write a word and it transpires that his whole life is a pack of lies. Bill, who is played to great effect by Daniel Lander, whose Geordie accent throughout is excellent to my ears, blags his way through life by making up lies about himself and then lies about the lies and he just doesn't care. The interaction between Bill and librarian Ellen Scott, played by Joan Lee, and the humour that comes from the dialogue is at the heart of the play. She of course discovers the nature of his deception, but actually gets to like him. The irritating and pretentious freelance writer Gerald Nutley, (Allan Dover) does some investigation and also discovers that Bill has just made things up and is also annoyed that he was himself overlooked for the post. He is about to blow the story, when he is persuaded to join an unlikely campaign to save the library from closure, which it does. This play was funny, it has a rich vein running through it, not belly laughs, more understanding chuckles as the playwright taps into the world of local politics. It's the class divide and a North v South all over again. Although almost a period piece from 18 years ago, it was also extremely topical with its searing dissection of local politics, which translates easily to the sleazy world of Westminster. Full credit to FDS for putting on shows like this, as well as their more popular ones, just a pity that more people didn't make it. An excellent cast of five, good behind the scenes work, well worth the trip out and winning a bottle of wine in the raffle was just a bonus. Hal Crane, Faringdon Folly, June 2009 |
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Oxfordshire Drama Network ODN Review FARINGDON DRAMATIC SOCIETY presents I THOUGHT I HEARD A RUSTLING By Alan Plater The front of house team at Faringdon (this time led by Denise Monk) are always welcoming and pleasant, such a nice start to an evening – I did not know this play and was pleased to read a short synopsis in the programme which did not tell me the ending but made me want to find out more. Ex-miner turned poet Bill Robson (Daniel Lander) has been appointed, under false pretences, writer – in – residence to a small branch Library- Daniel sustained a believable ‘geordie’ accent throughout and we understood every word! He’s a ‘Walter Mitty’ who was neither a miner or a poet, or an ex-criminal but Daniel had us, (and the Library committee) believing he was all of these things. ‘(There’s nothing I don’t know about computers – I used to play Space Invaders in the Miner’s Arms)’ Senior Librarian Ellen Scott (Joan Lee) sees through Bill but likes him anyway and they strive together, by underhand means, to save the Library from demolition. As always, a nicely judged, intelligent performance from Joan. Cllr Graham (Sandra Keen) was ‘nicely’ in charge and suitably patronising to everyone she spoke to. Lovely diction. Gerald Nutley (Allan Dover) an aspiring writer of little talent but an exhausting handshake joins Bill and Ellen in their efforts to keep his beloved Library going. Very convincingly played by Alan, he made us feel that the Library (and its’ books) was his refuge. Bernard (Jonathan Keen) was a council employee who seemed to be solely employed for measuring - anything - rooms, notice boards, doors, and to this end I felt he would have been more familiar with a tape measure – however he looked and sounded right and gave a believable performance. I felt that the costumes (Jeni Summerfield) were just right and the sets (Jeff Barry, Gary Field, Peter Webster) took us right into Ellen’s office in that small branch Library. Although would Ellen have had it quite so untidy? And the 2 green files stayed on the desk for 5 weeks. I loved the boiling kettle. The play was sympathetically directed by Gary Field, obviously using his experience as an actor to help his players give thoughtful performances and to get the best out of Alan Plater’s gently funny script. I thought the mix of music styles a bit confusing, I think there was meant to be music during the first scene change, which sounded rather noisy. Conversely I loved the use of the Rodriguez Concerto to follow up Gerald’s attempted trilogy on the Spanish poet and dramatist Federico Lorca and of course ‘When the Boat comes In’ for our Geordie It was brave of Faringdon to choose a relatively unknown play, not an obvious crowd-puller, but one which the audience enjoyed immensely. Deidre Jones |
Once again my thanks to your secretary, - Karen Whiffen, for the invitation to review your latest play. This was a first class production, and one that I could find no fault in. The entire cast gave a truly memorable performance., -- and one that they can look back with pride, and satisfaction for many years to come. With all the hard work put in by the cast, and set builders, --- it's a shame that you hadn't got bigger audiences. However those who did attend enjoyed the evening, and were I'm sure full of admiration for the splendid entertainment. Congratulations to everyone. The play was Directed by -- Gary Field, and assisted by Jeff Barry. Much thought had been put into this production prior to casting I would have thought. The people appointed to play the characters had been well thought out, --- and each individual fitted the part brilliantly.-- it seemed as if the character had been written for them. The play by Alan Plater, --- who has been involved with much T.V- work, --and may not be well known as a play writer, certainly produced the goods in this play, --- which I'm sure more by chance, than anything, -- was so up to date with some of the happenings we are reading in the press, about some of our politicians! The play moved at pace, and the music chosen during the scene changes was so apt for the play. The Cast were so professional in all that they did, -- and Bill, and Ellen, were hardly off the stage for the entire performance, -- how did they manage to remember it all??. The Cast in order of appearance. — Bill Robson, — Daniel Lander. — perfect for the role, --- a real cowman who could have ' sold sand to the Arabs'!! Very relaxed as his character needed to be, excellent `Geordie' accent throughout, -- and his facial movements were a joy to watch, --- his timing, mannerisms, were that of a very experienced performer. Congratulations. Ellen Scott, — Joan Lee: --- again perfect for the role, -- the middle aged lady whose job in the Library, -- as Senior Librarian, -- and read Two Books a week -- lived for her vocation. Typical of one you would expect working in a small branch library in the 1990's. She however was not to be fooled by Bill, — she could see through him, but she came to enjoy his company, and humour. All facets of her role were played to a very high standard, --- and again her experience showed, after many years of performing, and being involved with theatre in general. Congratulations. Councillor Graham, — Sandra Keen. -- again Sandra had studied her character, --- perhaps she has attended some Council Meetings, --- or is a councillor in her own right.?? --- whichever, she did a first class job, again excellent facial expressions,--- especially when she felt embarrassed with some questions she was asked by the 'Press Officer', --- as to how Bill had got the post of ' Poetry writer in residence'.? Good diction,-- and she looked good on stage. Again well done. Will you be standing in the forth coming elections.!! — if so I suggest you get Bill to act as your Agent.!! Gerald Nutley, -- Allan Dover.— another fine performance, -- again so suited to the character, -- I enjoyed the contrast from his opening as the journalist, -- to when he appeared at the library with his two volumes of his manuscript, to be reviewed by that remarkable poet Bill, (ably assisted by Librarian, - Ellen.) Another great performance by a trained actor. Bernard, — Jonathan Keen. — the gentleman from the local planning office, --did his job with the utmost enthusiasm, and interest in his work. ! ( well it's a job isn't it ). I liked his characterisation of the role, was that the Directors idea, or his.! —it worked well. I hope you enjoyed the experience of working with such a talented group of people. Well done. The Set, designed by Jeff Barry, Garry Field, Peter Webster, -- this was well designed, and well built- - it could easily have been 'a small branch library' in some town- — everything fitted perfectly, -- even the kettle boiled for tea. The constructors, ---Jo Webster, Carole Tappenden, Nick Evans, Richard Lock — all played their part also. Costumes, — Jeni Summerfleld---- your Society are so fortunate in having such a dedicated person ( along with Joan) make sure that everything is of the correct period, and always look in perfect condition. Sound, — Scott Gildert, --- everything worked to perfection, --- the telephone ringing, -- the kettle boiling,--- the music mentioned earlier, --- all were spot on. Well done. Lighting, — Ian Chandler, ---- well lit set, and we had the contrasts when appropriate. Other behind the Scenes workers, -- Without this gallant team of volunteers where would any production, or Society be -- we can not do without them if a show is going to run smoothly and efficiently. Thank you one and all. It was a first class evenings entertainment, by a very talented cast. You could not have had better drama on TV, --- it was well worth the visit. May I wish you every success with your next venture, ---- and I hope we can see some of you at the London NODA AGM, on Sunday 28th June at Potters Bar.¬-- starting at 10am— full details are available from your Secretary, — Karen -- it will be an interesting day, — please try and make it. Gareth Jeremy, Region 12, London Area |
National
Operatic & Dramatic Association