A Bench in the Shade

Ron Clarke's A Bench in the Shade is a heartfelt and often humorous play, and the recent amateur production directed by Dave Midgley brought this charming piece of theatre to life with a spirited performance from its cast. The story touches on the themes of ageing, loneliness, life’s meaning, and the beauty of human connections, all wrapped in a witty and lighthearted tone.

The set design, though simple, was effective in conveying the passing of time. A single bench, a small tree, and a couple of planters of flowers set the stage for a timeless conversation, while the changing of flowers subtly marked the shifts in seasons and emotional moods throughout the play. The attention to these small details, such as the changing flowers, reflected a thoughtful approach to staging. The lighting and sound, likewise, were well controlled, adding to the mood without overshadowing the performances.

The three actors brought the play’s characters to life with clear chemistry and commitment. Cherrill Wyche’s portrayal of Annie was lighthearted and engaging, capturing her character’s wit and warmth while also conveying moments of vulnerability. Wyche’s timing and delivery made Annie’s more reflective moments as compelling as her more playful ones, balancing the humour with the depth of the themes.

Richard Sails as Paul gave a confident and witty performance, embodying a man who is slightly curmudgeonly but full of life and energy. His performance had a natural ease, and his delivery of the play's witty dialogue felt effortless, drawing laughter from the audience while hinting at his deeper, more contemplative side. His portrayal of Paul truly captured the character’s complexity, bringing both charm and a touch of cynicism to the role.

Andy Neve as Roberto brought an enthusiastic energy to the stage, although his performance occasionally leaned towards the over-the-top. His Italian accent, at times, slipped into a French lilt, which disrupted the immersion of his character. Nonetheless, Neve's chemistry with Wyche, especially in their interactions as Roberto and Annie, was one of the highlights of the show. The banter between the two characters was natural and well-paced, with both actors demonstrating a genuine connection that gave the play much of its emotional weight.

While the overall performances were strong, there were a few moments where the pacing faltered, particularly with the elongated breaks between scenes. These pauses, while likely intended to allow time for transitions, did momentarily break the flow of the performance. However, these were minor hiccups in an otherwise enjoyable production.

The play’s humour shines throughout, but its deeper themes of loneliness and the search for meaning are never overshadowed. The trio of characters offers a beautiful exploration of human connection, with the witty exchanges balancing perfectly against the more poignant moments. There’s a real sense of care in how the actors engage with each other, making their shared time on the bench feel authentic and heartfelt.

On the whole this production delivered a wonderful mix of humour and emotion, with strong performances, excellent chemistry between the cast members, and a well-considered stage design. Although there were a few minor issues with pacing and character consistency, the production as a whole was a delightful exploration of the complexities of life, ageing, and friendship. It’s a piece worth watching, especially for those who enjoy character-driven narratives with a touch of warmth and wit. Thank you for the invitation to watch this play I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

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