A Chorus of Disapproval

This production is very much a play within a play where the entire cast are performing dual roles.  The Box Set scenery was very plain but effective and, thanks to a magnificent and hard working back-stage crew, every scene appeared different and worked very well. The period costuming for the opera was to the high standard expected from Marlene Ticknell, the lighting by Michael Nott  was good especially in the scene when the lamps were being set for the Opera and the contribution by Nigel Peacock as M.D. and Mr Ames must not be overlooked.

The two main dominant characters were superbly cast with Martin Sworn as the intrepid Dafydd as a director, an overlooked, saddened and bitter professional who is determined to put on this play at whatever cost to all concerned: The other, Simon Vyvyan as the almost naïve and lonely Guy who steps into the village and joins the group and then unwittingly creates havoc amongst the ladies. These two characters take up a great deal of the action and have huge chunks of dialogue to learn and it is to their credit that they coped so well with very demanding roles and were virtually on stage throughout the production. I was also impressed with the vocal range of them both. The warmth of friendship leading to a stronger relationship between Guy and Hannah was carried through with a pleasing performance by Helen Chewter as she reacted against the neglect of Dafydd. The efficiency and organisational skills displayed by Bridget (Laura Thornett) as stage manager hardly disguised her feelings for the ‘pin-up boy’ of petulant Crispin (Lewis Bentley). The movement, style and looks of the temptress Fay (Tanya Beane) with her unforgettable laugh added another superb dimension whereas her husband Ian (Harry Rippon) was only interested his business dealings. Gary Krost and Stevie Bennett as the Huntley-Pikes, Colin Bolton and Sara Spencer as the Washbrooks with their daughter Linda (Louise Winch) and Dilys (Viv Culton) all worked well with attention to detail and balancing out the cast and situations.

This was a very difficult play to perform and certainly the company should be congratulated on their interpretation giving the audience so much to enjoy.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.