An Enemy Of The People

This is a new version of the Ibsen classic which was first performed in London in April 2008. Interestingly the themes and issues woven into the plot are particularly relevant in the current climate. The small and talented cast embraced this masterpiece with great enthusiasm and skill with some outstanding performances.

Malcolm Hollister, as Dr Stockmann, the Chief Medical Officer took a strong and convincing role as the outspoken critic of the town’s bathing complex and drainage system which he believes is contaminated. He bought arrogance and superiority to this role which is central to the plot. He was on stage for virtually the entire performance and appeared to be word perfect. Well done !

However, his brother, Peter Stockmann, the town’s mayor, played by Pelham Elliott does not agree with the findings, due to the likely reparation costs and this heralds scenes of violent disagreement between the brothers. The repartee was fast and furious and both actors maintained the feverish pace of the plot remarkably well.

Lorna Hollister, as Dr Stockmann’s wife, Catherine, played a crucial role in trying to keep the peace between the brothers, whilst dealing with the issues surrounding the rejection of the critical report into the bathing centre. This erupted into violence displayed towards her husband and the threat of being turned out of her home, due to her husband’s belligerence and intransigence. Alise Balode, as the Stockmanns’ daughter, Petra, played a supportive role until she lost her job due to her father’s unpopularity.

Matt Byham and Dean Marshall played strong roles as Hovstad, the local paper’s editor and as Aslaken, the printer. Hovstad was something of a free thinking radical whilst Aslaken believed in a methodical approach and in following due process. Both were strongly supportive of the Dr’s actions initially but they turned against him as a result of the public protest and the influence of the mayor. Hovstaf’s assistant, Billing, played by Billy West was also a radical and highly ambitious.

The cast was completed by Anthea Halstead, as Morten Kiil and Mike Fahie-Wilson as Captain Horster both of whom played good supporting roles. Morten was the wealthy relative expected to leave money to Dr Steadmann—as always there was a twist to the tale when it was establishes that Morten’s tannery was responsible for leaking poison into the baths.

Captain Horster provided a sanctuary of calm respite from the frantic actions of the plot.

Darryl Crawley, as Director, enabled an excellent production and I congratulate him on his vision and innovation.

The five scenes took place in either the Stockmann’s house, the office of the paper or Captain Horster’s house. I particularly enjoyed the public meeting, played out in the front rows of the audience which lent a participative feel to the scene. The set design and construction (Chris Wade and team) was strong and flexible with scene changes consisting mainly of props and furniture. Stage Manager, Helen Arbon, and team managed to change the scenes seamlessly and without much hesitation between scenes. Lighting Design (Joe Fawcett) and lighting and sound operation (Darryl Poynter) were all effective and appropriate. Costumes were not in period but felt appropriate to the script.

Finally congratulations to all involved in this scintillating production which I had not seen before. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening

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