An Evening of One Act Plays

The evening consisted of two parts each section presenting a One Act Play.  The first play was the debut work of Mike Teeson; Waiting – Wishing.

Mike presented us with a nice poignant piece of drama. An unrushed approach by this director, gave the audience time to reflect on the content of the piece and the conversation between the two main characters Ella and Tom. The play takes place at a railway station. It is a familiar situation where two people find themselves waiting for a train and consequently strike up a conversation. The setting for this was completely appropriate and its simple bench did not distract the audience, and allowed the focus to remain on the couple. The developing relationship between Ella (Rosie Jones) and Tom (Mike Teeson) captured the attention of the audience well and we were drawn into the situation quickly and successfully.

The depiction of Ella by Rosie Jones was excellent.  Her warmth drew in Mike’s character and put him and the audience at ease. A well-cast and very believable performance.  Tom, played by Mike Teeson, provided the appropriate amount of angst for a character unsure of what his future should look like. There were two lovely characterisations by Arthur (Kevin Dalziel) and Kathleen (Annmaria Jones). Their comical performances brought an alternate dimension to the piece and created a nice balance between the two couples. Jude Traharne depicted the barista in the quiet railway station café with an appropriate amount of boredom. The making of the ‘special coffee’ is obviously the highlight of her day. 

The set was simple but effective throughout. The use of lighting was successful, changing between the indoors and outdoors. Costumes were contemporary and sound effects added to the atmosphere of the piece. I particularly liked the depiction of the train interior. Highly effective!

Well done Mike on your first play. It is a pleasure to see new writers bringing their work to the stage with the support of an established society. I look forward to seeing what you will do in the future. 

The second play of the evening was All By Myself written by Robert Scott and directed by Tom Roberts.

This play takes place on a desert island and starts by us meeting Larry (Kevin Taws), ‘destitute, alone and without a friend.’  Having survived a shipwreck seven years earlier, Larry presumes he is the only person on the island and the only survivor of a shipwreck.  Very quickly Larry and the audience become aware that he is in fact one of several shipwreck survivors, some of which have been there longer than he has. 

The director’s casting of this play was excellent. The characters were represented beautifully each having their own peculiarities and eccentricities. Larry (Kevin Taws) remained consistently irritated throughout the play which provided a great contrast to the ‘laid back’ approach of the other characters.  A super performance Kevin. Pemberton (Tom Roberts) was delightful. This actor demonstrated great comic timing.  He convincingly functioned as the ‘peacekeeper’ within the group of survivors, while providing many comic moments. Ashworth (Sue Downes) and Nicholson (Annmaria Jones) brought more fun and laughter and were well-cast in their roles. Miller (Ian Gardener-Long), as the self-appointed voice of reason, provided an effective vehicle for many funny situations within the play. Especially when he instructed on building the raft. A scenario that stayed with me and made me laugh all the way home. 

Costumes were very appropriate, lighting was good and created the feeling of a sunny, desert island. The set transported us immediately and the audience was drawn into the story from the offset.

A super performance by, what was obviously, an experienced group of actors.  Congratulations to the cast, crew, and director Tom, on this production.

A great evening with Denbigh Phoenix Players. Thank you for welcoming me and I look forward to seeing more of your productions in the future.

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