A Trio of Dramatic Entertainments

A very enjoyable evening, three one act plays, all performed with enthusiasm.  A chance for people to do something different in a minimalistic setting, which was a change for Redbourn – and I think it worked really well.

There was a lot of amusing and laugh-out-loud moments, and the evening progressed with pace.  Projection was excellent throughout, even when, in the theatrical tradition of ‘the show must go on’, one actress kept going despite a nose bleed – well done Pauline Mead!

The first play, “Joining the Club”, a two hander with Becky Vernon-Clinch and David Howell as a couple reaching milestones in their life, with both having apparently different goals, but coming together in the end, was well-performed.  I thought the play started a little slowly, although I could see the need for setting the scene, and it did lead to a very funny moment when the toilet was heard flushing, which relaxed the audience, and the feeling continued throughout.

Directed by David Howell, the couple reacted well and the conflict between the pair was well-handled, gathering momentum as each had their say on the situation, creating a very funny scenario.  I enjoyed this very much.

The second play, “Under Milk Wood” created a completely different ambience.  It is many years since I read the original, and thought this version worked well. Pauline Mead who directed the play, abridged it well and got good movement into the proceedings.  The Narrators who took us through the series of scenes shaped and wove the vision of the Welsh countryside and the people therein.

The cast of Hilary Violentano, Mario Violentano, Martin Howe, Benita Gilliam, Pauline Mead, David Howell, Clive Crowther, Ann Mundye, Colin Cook, Diane Goodchild, Pauline Willis-King and Becky Vernon-Clinch all interacted well, with the action taking place as if being performed as a radio play, with just the use of hats to distinguish each character, of which there were many, with each actor playing up to 7 characters!  No mean feat, and some creditable Welsh accents too.

I particularly enjoyed Becky’s portrayals of Polly Garter and Lily Smalls, also Benita Gilliam’s Myfanwy Price and Mrs Owen.  However, everyone pulled their weight and I enjoyed the rather gentle ambience and sometimes ribald text!  An iconic piece, delivered well.

The final play was “Strictly Sex Factor On Ice”, featuring a small drama company who are trying to attract audiences after a damning review of their last play from a local critic!  A sobering attack on critics who think themselves above the actors they are commenting on!!  Well written, this piece allowed the cast to be slightly OTT, but I definitely recognised the characters, as some I have come across in my years both on and off stage.

David Howell directed this play very nicely, with four experienced actors, who gave themselves up to the absurdity of the plot.  Ann Mundye as the slightly dotty Joyce, a bit forgetful but still wanting to be part of things.  Her foray into a rollerskating act was so funny, and the consequences thereof, plus the house bricks to stop her from moving, created a good character.

Andy Turner, as Gordon, their self-appointed leader, allowed Andy free rein to do what he does best on stage, lead from the front and bulldoze the others into doing what he wants them to do. Nicely pitched.

I thoroughly enjoyed Mario Violentano in the role of Bernard, outspoken, having no qualms in saying exactly what he thought – very well done.

Pauline Mead gave a good characterisation as Margaret, despite the fact she had a nose bleed for at least 50% of the play.  Well done for carrying on and also keeping the character going.

All in all a very enjoyable evening – the plays were well done, and gave us a variety of emotions that kept the audience interest.

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