A Country House at War (original play)

I must say tonight felt extra special not only was I going to see one of my favourite  clubs but also what a privilege to see the opening night of a brand new play written  by one of your own. A special night indeed. Thanks as always for your warm  hospitality and nice to see a busy auditorium. It must be extra difficult to try and  sell an unknown play to your audience. All I will say for those who didn’t take the  risk missed out greatly.  

Next to a murder mystery a warm hearted family drama is right up my street. You  rarely see anything “wartime” advertised these days which I think is a big shame. It  was such an important part of history and I think the “younger” generation have no  idea what our grandparents and their families all went through. I’d be interested in  what your junior group, who were in the same night as me, thought about it. I must  say I enjoyed the writing of this play. I had read the synopsis in the program  beforehand but I think the writing was certainly self explanatory had I not read it. I  liked the use of Cook to start the scenes so as we knew how time had moved on  and the very swift change of certain props to depict the time of year, the flowers  were a nice touch.  

The set once again was outstanding. It quite rightly got its own round of applause.  I felt I wanted to go up on stage and browse through all the little trinkets and  pictures on the walls in great detail. The warmth of the plum furnishings really  came through against the stark cream walls and hit us between the eyes. Well  designed and nice use of both door ways giving us clear entrances and exits.  Beautifully lit too, it felt like you brought us into the room. Well done to the team  and all involved in this. Another triumph.  

Costumes/uniforms and make up felt quite apt. The colours chosen particularly  through the ladies dresses really helped accentuate the set. Everything fitted and  was worn well. I’m not sure I liked Lady Isabelle’s wig. Bit short and curly for my  liking for the period. Maybe it stood out to me as it was the only wig that appeared  to be worn. I just felt you needed something a bit more elegant.  

Director/Author  

This was my first new play to come and review. I must say it felt like a very  comfortable “soap” that I’d followed for years and flowed off the page. The  director very cleverly drew up what I felt was a perfect cast. The characters were  extremely well defined, we managed to get enough of their back story and were all  extremely likeable. The interaction between every one felt very natural and what was nice there were no baddies (only the ones we couldn’t see). I could very easily  imagine this being a very good radio play as well. Very easy to follow.  It hadn’t ever occurred to me what happened to these wonderful old buildings  during such desperate times, so it really opened my eyes. Thank you for that.  It must have been very satisfying bringing your own play to life. I thought the  shaping of all the scenes were very well directed. Everyone who had lines were  always in view of the audience, this can be difficult with two sofas facing each  other but I felt you got the angles just right. I would have liked to have seen Cook  come on each time with an intentioned move, whether it be dusting or bringing in  the log basket or tidying (but also nosing) around the bureau. I believe this did  happen once and felt it seemed so much more natural rather than just walking on  to find centre stage to deliver to us the fourth wall. But the idea to keep us up to  date with Cook was a good one.  

You really had an excellent cast so you were well on your way to a winner. I  congratulate you on all your work towards this play it was a totally enjoyable  entertaining evening at the theatre. Thank you.  

Lady Isabelle Harper  

This was a very strong stoic performance. Very much lady of the manor with the  bittersweet sadness of a husband still missing in action. You conveyed all of this to  us. Your character was very believable as the interaction between you and the  family was extremely natural. I adored the love hate relationship between you and  Lady Mary. Well costumed all through, I mentioned the wig (just my opinion) it  certainly didn’t hinder your performance. Very much enjoyed.  

Lady Florence Wells  

What a great part for your debut with Portishead Players. And how wonderful to be  able to act out a part of your own history. This must have been very satisfying for  you. Well you were very convincing as Lady Florence with very good interaction  with all the other characters. I felt very moved when you were finally reunited with  your daughter. I look forward to seeing more work from you.  

Lady Mary Harper  

What a gem of a part. I could just see you fitting into something like “Downton”  and sparring with the likes of Maggie Smith. A good strong actress who kept us  hanging onto your every word. Well costumed too you always looked just right.  Your husband may have written it but you definitely gave her some life. You and Lady Isabelle worked so well together and I really enjoyed the sparring but also the  blossoming of your relationship also. Great teamwork ladies must have been a real  hoot to rehearse.  

Hazel Wells  

What a transformation you created from the start of the play to the end. Having  been grieving yourself you didn’t just sit back but took to action. The return from  the camp towards the end was quite shocking. Your make up was superb. I had to look twice to see it was you. You really looked so different. A really good rounded  performance played with care.  

Anna Harper  

My goodness you have a smile that would light up a room. Wonderful stage  presence too. Another debut performance for Portishead Players and another  success. Every scene you were in you completely bought to life. Really feisty  character and excellent projection. You suited the costume/uniform so well. I’m  sure we will see you in further roles, I shall certainly look forward to them.  

Daisy Jones  

I loved this character. I felt very at ease with you right from the off. The writing was  good that we all knew you had some hidden secret and we all invested in you to  want to know what that was. I felt you played her just right ( hope Colin agrees)  and you certainly deserved to get your man in the end. Nice work with Lady  Isabelle a really well thought through performance that moved us. Thank you.  

Cook  

Having seen you in Panto recently there was no doubt you’d play very well to us  the fourth wall. You kept the flow of the play going rather well and I liked it when  you were busying yourself around the room as well as including us. You used your  comedy skills to the full and those expressions were priceless.  

Sir George Wells  

Very impressive to have racked up 45 plays with Portishead Players. You’ll soon  get that gold watch I’m sure. I could tell you were relishing in being wrapped up in  Sir George. Good accent and good characterisation from the off. Your confidence  comes over the footlights and again I felt very at ease with you. Well suited and  booted too. So sorry to hear you picked up chicken pox at the start of the year.  How awful but that didn’t hold you back from another fine performance.  

Julian Harper  

A good well defined character. A strong actor with good presence and projection. I  think we all liked Julian despite his troubles. You interacted well with the family  members and teamed up romantically with Daisy. Striking in the pilot uniform too.  

I really hope A Country House at War was a good success for you all. I’m sure  Colin was proud as punch to see his work come to life and quite rightly so too. I  had a very enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all again soon.  

A high standard of program once again. Lots of detail and information to read. A  lot of thought and care had gone into this.  

Thanks again for your hospitality.  

Mike. 

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