Any Other Business

The Hall Players were pleased to be asked to present the World Premier of “ Any Other Business” by local writer Andy Bennison. He has already written short plays, sketches, pantomimes and monologues but this was his first full-length piece. The Hall Players gave a first class performance and Andy must have been delighted with this production of his work.

The experienced Actor and Director, Maureen Nickson having read and performed some of Andy’s previous works, was invited to take on the challenging role of Directing a brand new comedy play.

The writer was in the audience and I am sure he appreciated the obvious hard work and commitment from all on stage, who had clearly worked hard to bring his script to life.

The story centres round a Committee Meeting of the Petunia Drive Residents Committee where the burning questions of the day and issues of the environment are to be aired.

The six strong members of the cast interpreted their roles with skill and enthusiasm. All characters were very well delineated and Maureen Nickson had brought out the best from the actors.

Each character was given an interesting back-story which was at odds with their public personae.

Paul Armitt as the pedantic and punctilious Chairman, Gerald showed great pathos as he came to terms with his private life. Carol Buckley as Antonia gave a very strong, hilarious performance, as the self- centred, controlling resident, bullying her husband at every opportunity but hiding her many fears about her son’s business failures.

Diction and projection were excellent and the cast made good use of all the playing area.  The well-designed and constructed sets looked appropriate as the action moved from Roz’s Conservatory to the house of each Committee member. There was great attention to detail with costumes, accessories, hair-styles and make up. I loved the scene with the Nordic walking poles used by Antonia and Terry.

In its present form the play is way too long and it appeared the majority of the audience, were becoming restless as the piece progressed. I would suggest that twenty to thirty minutes could be cut without marring the overall production.

It is very bold to take on a new piece of writing and congratulations must go to all involved. This very well written play deserves to succeed and should be very well received by future audiences.

Thank you, once again, for your very warm welcome.

 

 

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