Arsenic and Old Lace

LTC Arsenic and Old Lace

 

Director – Stephanie Wilson   

Choreographer– N/A

Musical Director - N/A 

      

Performed at The Dixon Studio on 26th March 2024 at 7.45pm

 

The Brewster sisters (Abby) played by Sally Lightfoot and (Martha) Lindsay Blakesley were as endearing as they were dangerous. I completely understood why everyone loved them so much and almost believed they really were doing good by doing something…not so good. 

The Brewster brothers all added such different dynamics with their characterisations. (Teddy) Dave Gardner gave a strong comedic performance of a very lovable but about to be sectioned, man who believed he was the president. Jamie Redgate (Mortimer) was believable as frantic and gradually losing the plot throughout the show and Tim Cater (Jonathan) gave us a whole different level of unhinged, alternating between a gangster and Frankenstein's monster. 

Ami Roberts (Elaine Harper) the very beautiful finance of Mortimer gave a nice contrast of quite literally the girl next door and a fiesty, unhinged, woman on the edge. 

Joel Arnold (Dr Einstein) was another strong comedic performance. Excellent reactions and adlibs. 

Scott McFall (Officer O'Hara) had good characterisation and brought us an entirely different genre of comedy to the show. Like an episode of Father Ted or Mrs Browns Boys which I enjoyed.

It's wonderful to see so many new faces treading the boards with Guy Blakesley (Mr Gibbs) utterly deserving of a mention for a believable performance and Lewis Griffiths (Lieutenant Rooney) who commanded the stage.

The set designed by Scott Newcombe looked simple but was so clever. I especially liked the illusion created when cast members walked upstairs to the bedrooms. I understand this was Scott's first design and build of a set and I truly hope it won't be the last.

This was my first experience at The Dixon Studio and I enjoyed the intimate setting. Being so close to the set, made me feel as if I was inside the house.

Costumes and Props were great and very well utilised. I liked the addition of the real candles as it just added a little extra for a sensory experience to feel that you're part of the story. 

Sound and lighting were also well executed. No head mics but the volume and diction were faultless. At times the accents slipped a little but they were promptly picked up again. 

The show had a good pace and overall was well directed by Stephanie Wilson.

 

Natalie Hills

District 10

NODA East

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