A Bolt from the Blue

This was my first visit to Bedworth Theatre Company and by virtue my first time at Jack Entertainment Club. Seating was in a cabaret style with a functional stage and a level acting area at the front of the seating area,

Another first was the title of the play, I had no knowledge of the piece and did not research beforehand so went along with a blank sheet.

Greeting us was a bear stage with a very striking (word used deliberately) picture of an electricity pylon. More later about the use of the video wall.

The play centres around the character Edward Jones played with conviction by Richard Nicholls who spent most of the play on stage.  It is a Friday (we know this due to him have a ham sandwich (always has this on a Friday)). He misses a phone call, mainly due to him leaving it in the van, while working up the pylon. Lighting strikes and Edward is reported to fall into a pile of manure, cushioning the fall. The sandwich is now a toastie.

Edward survives what follows is bizarre but maybe follows what many of us have wished for.  Seen as a hypochondriac he seeks medical advice as his bold patch disappears. The Consultant GP, Dr Rodgers was well played, especially later in the play once retired by Robert Barnett. The GP on telling Edward there is nothing wrong with him refers him to a Dermatologists, having to wait the whole weekend to see the consultant (if only that was reality) Edward’s paranoia increases but even he does not see what is coming.

Sadly, the consultant Dr Nugent fainted on the sight of blood. This part was well played by Fern O’ Brian as she ensures every medical test under the sun is undertaken.

So comes the diagnosis – Edward is growing younger!  

The humour and eccentricity of the play was also brought out by Sarah played by Rachel Spencr a somewhat young looking 87-year-old scientist with an invisible dog. Sarah had discovered a way of extending life expectance (shame experiments ended up in them exploding as did her house). The scenes between Sarah and Edward were well acted as their love for each other developed. Somewhat different to Edwards uncaring wife played by Kathryn Griffiths.

The play moved on via narrators, sat on the flat level nearer to the audience seating area. Usually, two at any time played by several cast members who otherwise play smaller ensemble like roles. These narratives were written out for cast to read to the audience.   

The use of the video wall was effective and assisted in bringing the story along. They were all very clear, I partially liked how this made objects such as a toilet, wash basin, couch extremely oversized.

Lighting was good as was the sound effective and added to the performance.

Alison Smith as director as well as lighting designer and sound operator had been involved in a production of this play with BTC some 19 years ago and wanted to place her spin on this thoughtful play about increasing life expectance or growing younger. Congratulations for realising your desire to do this as well as to all involved.

Meeting some of the cast after the final performance and before the ‘get out’ it was evident all involved has enjoyed the experience.

Thank you for an enjoyable evening and see you all again soon.

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