AND A NIGHTINGALE SANG....

We are introduced to this beautifully written C P Taylor work by the cover of the programme which describes it as ‘A wartime romance’. But it is much more than that; the play is a domestic drama about the working-class Stott family and outlines their individual and collective journeys through troubled times from just before the start of World War II until D-Day, with all of the humour, excitement, emotion and pathos those struggles bring about.

In his programme notes, Director Dave Cooper describes Taylor’s piece as ‘probably his most famous Tyneside play and despite not being a natural Geordie, he has brilliantly captured the lilt of our local dialect’. There is no doubt of that, and this writer and the almost full auditorium were carried along by the Geordie twang and a host of memories engendered by the script; brought to life by a more than enthusiastic and talented cast.

Head of the family George (Trevor Bell)  - or 'the Coalman' as he is often referred to – spends almost all of his time playing and singing current hits at his beloved piano, whereas his caring and oft-times woolly-headed wife Peggy (Judith Bell), spends all of her time looking after the affairs of the church or examining her statue of 'Our Lady' for changes in her facial expression, and preparing tea and SPAM sandwiches for the rest of her family.

Their eldest daughter Helen (Jen Campbell), sadly nicknamed 'The Cripple' because of her physical disability and pronounced limp, is the main figure of stability in the family and the story's narrator, whereas her younger sister Joyce (Sharon Cummings) is more flighty and less reliable. The final member of the family is grandad Andie (Ian Reah), who has a fairly casual attitude towards everything in life except for his beloved pets (one of whom – his wippett - has just died and is carried around by him in a sack at the start of the play).

The daughters both have boyfriends in the army; Eric (Thomas Gilmore) marries Joyce after a whirlwind wartime romance, but can’t or maybe isn’t allowed to progress the romantic side of their relationship until late in the play; and Norman (Alex Swan) the dark horse, slightly whimpy character, who turns out to be more than he appears to be and who captures Helen’s heart.

Jen played her immense character sympathetically and with backbone and determination, although I have to say that sometimes her diction wasn’t as clear as it ideally might have been. However, for such a huge part, she acted well and convincingly, and was very moving at times, especially when discovering and coming to terms with Norman’s marital state. Congratulations!.

Sensitive and sympathetic Direction from Dave was evident from his knowledge of the play, and was enhanced and supported by a split-level set comprising the upstairs, living room, and outside areas. The set was well lit and some great sound effects and recordings of the time were also well done and very apt. Costumes and props were nicely accomplished and added to the authenticity of the piece.

All in all, my companion and I had a superb night’s entertainment. Many congratulations to all concerned. Thanks for the invitation. We look forward to JANE EYRE in April.

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