Bazaar and Rummage

 

                                     

I was warmly welcomed at Front of House by Pru Page and had the opportunity to talk with Director, Margaret Surrey and Stage Manager Terry Surrey after the performance.

The scene was set in Acton Church Hall with the tall set designed by Terry Surrey. It was essentially one room with 2 entrances/exits and various tables to display the jumble being donated. One of the doors had a suitable epitaph “ Wot A Dump”. There were a small number of props, especially bags of jumble/rummage.

The funny and moving plot revolved around a group of three agoraphobic women, a reformed agoraphobic and a hapless female social worker under training. There was a good deal of humour in both words and actions but obviously an underlying serious message and a degree of pathos in their individual stories.

The group of ladies were all very different characters with great characterisation. Hannah Croxford, as Gwenda, the ex agoraphobic was a forceful and intimidating character intent on organising both the bazaar and the women who were leaving the safety of their own homes for the first time in a considerable while. Self righteous and somewhat of a drama queen she played this part very well with some superb facial expressions.

Steph Felton, as Katrina was suitably flamboyant and extravagant in her interpretation, hiding her character’s insecurities with nervous over acting.

Margaret Cockwell, as Bell-Bell was rather meek and mild suiting the character well.

Cheryl Regan, as Margaret, possibly suffering most from agoraphobia, was a larger than life character, creating lots of comedy in her actions. Coarse in both actions and speech she displayed real attitude to the other women.

Jacque Clarke was the hapless trainee social worker, Fliss.  Intent at first in trying to take over the action, she soon realised that she needed to soften her stance and tone to gain the respect of the other ladies. She was a calming influence in Act One when individual fears and resentments emerged.

During Act Two the ladies gradually gained sufficient confidence to share their individual back stories. There was a lot of pathos and some of their characters changed in tone eg Gwenda became less demanding and more sympathetic, Bell-Bell contributed her own past with increasing confidence and Margaret calmed down tremendously when telling her own story. The transformation of Margaret to a slinky, classy woman was a joy to watch! Congratulations to the cast for achieving the changing emphasis in their roles.

Carol Felton played the WPC, called in during the final part of Act Two. She certainly looked the part and contributed well in this small role.

Lighting (Terry Surrey) and sound (Richard Cooper) were very appropriate, especially the ambulance sirens. Costumes were all relevant to the period and the situation.

This was a very well acted and absorbing play with good humour throughout. Well done to everyone involved in any way.

Congratulations to Director and Producer Margaret Surrey for bringing this play to the stage and for showcasing the many talents of the cast. The audience were very appreciative and I certainly enjoyed the evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

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