Accolade

“Accolade”by Emlyn Williams was classed as an intriguing drama, and a plot which evolved as the performance progressed with evidence which was to eventually be the downfall of a prominent author William Trenting.

Dealt with by Will and his wife, as day to day more revelations were uncovered which involved Will in a serious situation  from which there was no escape.

Paul George as Will was excellent in a role which became very demanding with coping with damaging evidence which would involve his wife,son and close friends, and later on threats from Daker played by Nigel Lister. Paul is a very strong actor and faultless in the main character in this play.

Alison Baker as Rona, Will’s wife, was well cast and quietly supportive for a great deal of the play towards her husband, but eventually breaking down when it became evident that Will was in a very serious situation.

Roger Atkins as Albert, a butler come secretary and general factotum, grew in character as the play progressed. Roger did have a tendency to drop the volume of his dialogue here and there, Very efficient in dealing with props of all sorts and sizes, and a very relaxed manner on stage which was pleasing.

John Roberts as Harold, and Lea Friend as Phyllis, livened up the production as friends of Will from the Rotherhithe Pub. Both great characters with cheeky quips along the way which were very amusing, yet also showing their consideration towards Will and family.

Gina Macmillan as Marion Tillyard, a friend of the family was very smart and showed great emotion towards her friends.

Mike Brown as Thane Lampeter, another close friend and publisher for Will, despite his concern and probable disbelief, rather underplayed this character which worked  very well as an observer,but again doing all he could to support the family.

Making his debut with the group was Alex Bowell playing Ian Trenting the son of Will. Alex did well in his first major role and gave a rather gentle sensitive feel to his character with the events and drama which was unfolding in the family, which he dealt with in a positive manner. I hope we see Alex involved in more productions at the Manifest.

Gladys the Parlour Maid with Diana Luckie did well and supported the cast in a suitable manner at all times.

Nigel Lister as Daker was superb as a rather inebriated father of a young girl involved with Will, and the parties and going’s on at the Rotherhithe pub. A terrific character to play, and Nigel made the most of every line with great diction and style, and as a very experienced actor he was quietly menacing in a subtle rather accusing manner, but eventually reluctantly calmed down when he heard of his daughter’e lifestyle.

As always a very polished production and well directed by Kate and complimented by a superb set which the Manifest are renowned for.

Congratulations to the company also on winning the best production of 2015 with “Role Play”, and also the overall best production of 2015 winning the NODA Shield in District 11 East Region,

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