Black Widow

What a triumph in staging from one of the smallest drama groups on the island. Not only was Black Widow performed at floor level and partly in the round at Whitwell but totally adapted on three levels for the minute Niton venue. In effect, two shows for the price of one! Faye Farrin, a first time director for the Pepperpots, had a vision and it worked, although, disappointingly in the event, the Niton venue proved to be unsuitable for scenes at floor level since vision for those at the back of the hall was greatly restricted. On the other hand, at Whitwell, the hall being of a more accommodating shape, this novel setting worked admirably..

As for the storyline, true the plot was somewhat outmoded for the 21st century but the acting was such that one was immediately drawn into the tortuous world of the `oh so correct` Edwardians, who saw everything in black or white with no shades in between.

Acting throughout was of a high standard, although special honours must surely be shared between Abi Harris as Emily Arlinton the daughter, Helen Clinton-Pacey as Lady Isobel Arlington her grandmother and the two twittery cousins from Bridlington, Mabel (Denise Farrow and Dorothy (Sue Clark). .

Abi, as the precocious, distraught, unstable teenager Emily, was quite riveting, with a stage presence well beyond her years. Not only did she speak up with conviction, portraying a wide range of emotions but when merely an onlooker, she stayed in character, responding silently to each varying situation. .However, was she really the deranged child or was it all a ploy to split the lovers asunder in order to keep her mother for herself alone? If so, she succeeded only too well.

Lady Isobel, the elderly, autocratic head of the household seemed unshakeable in all her convictions. None-the-less, she was so shocked and totally incredulous by Emily`s whispered revelation -`in the library, on the day of my father`s funeral!` - that she suffered a massive stroke which eventually lead to her death but not before she had spent much of the second act in a wheelchair, burbling and comatose. An undoubted tour de force but a bit too real for comfort.

Chris Giles, the supposedly bereaved wife, Lady Cressida and Peter Farrin, (Richard Harker), her unlikely suitor, were the amorous but doomed, pair. Both revealed the agony experienced by doubts and fears, making the audience feel their discomfort. .. . .

Denise Farrow, a fairly new recruit to the Pepperpots, in the relatively minor role of Mabel was ideally cast. Her delivery was clear and her fussy mannerisms brought the role she played alive. She and the redoubtable Sue Clark were the comedy duo who lightened up what would otherwise have been a tense, dark drama throughout.

Yet another relative newcomer to the stage was Steve Watts as Dr. Shawcross. His excellent portrayal of the caring, family GP and friend rang true and his delivery was

clear, unhurried,.with good projection.

George Webster on this occasion was the Chief Inspector and long standing family friend.of Lady Isobel. In fact, this role suited him particularly well, since he has a strong voice and.positive manner.

A welcome back to Edgar Jones, this time as the rector. His whole persona oozed sanctity.

Longstanding member, Doreen Hockley was the sometimes intrusive maid, Mrs Hodge.

And finally total newcomer Nick Turvey played the small role of Inspector Eaton. He too, will be an asset to the Pepperpots.

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