Billy Liar

On opening night there was a good audience of around eighty. The Front of House staff were in attendance plus the Director and a warm welcome was extended to audience members.

The programme was a little disappointing as there were no pictures or biographies of cast members. The Director’s Notes gave a very brief synopsis of the play and there was rather a lengthy description of the works appertaining to both playwrights.

The play centred around nineteen-year-old Billy Fisher who worked at a local funeral parlour. His life was mundane and boring and to bring some excitement into the drudgery, he felt compelled to make up stories and tell lies. He could be described as a fantasist. His love life was complicated, with three girlfriends in tow, two believing they were engaged to him but who, in fact, were actually sharing a ring. Lead character, Julian Gabriel Clarke, gave a creditable performance although, at times, his voice dropped and some dialogue was lost. However, this was the first night and he wasn’t alone in this respect. Certainly, in Act 2 the pace and volume was much better as the cast members seemed to have got into their stride and felt more confident. There were fewer prompts too.

The set was magnificent with great attention to detail. It comprised a living room of a typical working class home set in or around the 1960’s. There was both a front and back door at either side creating the opportunity to externalise some of the interaction between characters. The living room contained a table and chairs plus a settee and a corner cupboard and looked suitably plain and very authentic. The costumes were of the usual high standard and totally in keeping with the period. Liz Santer always gets it right and is certainly an asset to the theatre company.

There was an interesting opening at the three-minute bell. Whilst the atmospheric ‘Life In A Northern Town’ was played, the adult members of the family took their places on stage. Florence (grandma) hobbled to the settee, Geoffrey (father) took his seat at the table reading and drinking tea and Alice (mother) bustled around going to and from the kitchen. This was effective in both settling the audience and setting the scene.

Florence, was played plausibly by Dinah Bowman, who also projected vocally extremely well. As the matriarch, she had her daughter (Alice) rushing around after her even though the latter was also doing everything for her own husband and son. Lorna Wilson is a versatile actor who never fails to disappoint and her depiction of the downtrodden, uncomplaining woman was perfect. Her Northern accent also deserves a mention as it was flawless. Kevin Wilson played the tough, slightly grumpy, complaining father with confidence and conviction. Charlie Bonner, as Billy’s sidekick, Arthur, came across well and brought a low-key comic relief aspect to the tension within the house. He also brought energy to the show, as did Rebecca Lennon. She played the tough, brassy Rita with panache. She was not going to let Billy get away with two-timing her! Meanwhile, the innocent and sweet Barbara, played well by Sarah Kellett, was a complete contrast to her feisty rival. Finally, Liz, arrived in Act 2 and was the third love interest. Her character was somewhat of a free spirit, who possibly understood Billy, better than the others. Lexi Skeldon-Downer portrayed this character well in encouraging Billy to leave home and go away with her for more excitement.

At first the denouement seemed confusing. Billy appeared from the auditorium, carrying a suitcase and entered the house through the front door. Whilst reclining, an image of Barbara was projected onto the wall. She was maybe on his mind. Possibly, he was unable to leave home after all and was regretting letting Barbara go. Perhaps it was simply up to the interpretation of the individual. It was certainly food for thought.

Well done to Amanda and all the cast and crew involved in this production which was both entertaining and well performed.

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