A Bolt from the Blue

A Bolt from the Blue is a gem of a comedy from the prolific pen of David Tristram. It tells the story of Edward who is struck by lightning but survives, and the peculiar turns that his life takes afterwards. It is well plotted and full of surprises with plenty of laughs, both physical and verbal, along the way. The story is told by two narrators and many of the actors take on multiple roles.

A clever set (designed by Graham Stouse) made the best use of the small stage, featuring a large electricity pylon on one side and a room, used for several settings, on the other. Costumes throughout were modern day and totally appropriate for the characters. Lighting was effective and the sound effects used were inventive and very well timed (Cliff Mullins and Ben White, respectively).

Director Elena Martinez-Blanco has chosen her cast well and a lot of directorial touches are evident, especially in the way the characters react to each other. Stuart Dickenson shone as the long-suffering Edward, completely bewildered by what was happening to him and Liam Peters was spot-on as the doctor who discovers that Edward is getting younger. The two narrators, Roger Mitchell and Vivienne Hutchings, kept the story moving along nicely, with some good interactions with the audience and Roger must be commended for his ability to switch roles and accents so easily, creating completely different characters. Amy Gould really brough to life the “young” 87-year-old scientist Sarah, with an invisible dog, who took the news that her house had exploded as an everyday event. Her scene with Edward as they discovered their love for each other was handled very tenderly.

Dene Woods, Georgia Davies and Trudie Carter all handled their multiple roles with aplomb. Georgia’s nurse and Dene’s American news reporter were delightful characterisations, and Trudie made Edward’s wife Mary really uncaring.

Director Elena made sure that through the comedy of the play, the underlying messages about the problems of ageing and loneliness came through loud and clear and that we must all keep making the most of every day. Well done Highbury Players – please keep giving us these well considered and well performed plays.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.