Reviewed by: Tessa Davies on Sunday 20 November 2011
Venue: Lakeview Hall, Winter Gardens School, Canvey Island, Essex
Type of Production: Play
Producer/Director: Ray Stone
Musical Director:
Choreographer:
Show Report
This is a very powerful and emotional play and the Director chose to stage it in the round. This was an excellent choice and the emotions displayed by all members of the cast gave the play added meaning. Every member of the cast, without exception, produced outstanding performances and this company gave us an emotional roller coaster of an afternoon. I was impressed with the performances of all the Principal characters but I would especially mention Andy Shore. His portrayal of Mickey was simply outstanding. From the child aged 7 with grubby, grazed knees, through twenty years to the adult who believes he has been betrayed, we were with him every step of the way. Sally Catling (Mrs Johnston) and Trudy Ann Britnell (Mrs Lyons) were both powerful characters. Both actresses demonstrated great skill in depicting the transition of their characters over the twenty year period of the play. They were very ably supported by Martin Lepley (Eddie) and Sarah Lepley (Linda). Matthew Willis played the Narrator, with great strength and kept the action moving smoothly forward. I must also mention the Ensemble; their support gave the show some humour and continuity and they were all an integral part of the performance. The simple staging meant we could concentrate on the actors, and the smooth way the characters moved the props around, during the performance, made it a well paced production.
Director Ray Stone brought us a production that was deeply moving, very emotional but with just the right amount of comedy to keep us on our toes. This play is, probably, one of the best productions I have seen for a while and I just wish Willy Russell had seen it, I am sure he would have been proud of Cast & Crew Theatre Workshop.
