Bothered and Bewildered

I was welcomed by Jacquie Newman, the Assistant Director who explained that the Director, Sally Ransom, had unfortunately been taken ill during the rehearsals and had taken a lesser role in the direction than originally planned. Jacquie gave me some background to the group which has circa 200 members and produces several plays each year.

This script is about a family struggling to cope with an elderly relative with Alzheimer’s and covers the stresses and strains placed on relatives by a parent gradually succumbing to the disease. Whilst it is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, nevertheless there is plenty of well delivered humour by the actors in this compelling comedy/drama.

There are strong parts for more mature actors all of whom were extremely good. Barbara Llewellyn was a very convincing Barbara Cartland and the role of Irene (in the throes of Alzheimer’s)  was played by Lynne Foster who excelled in the role. Rachel Curran (Louise) and Stephanie Yorke-Edwards ( Beth) were the daughters of Irene, struggling to cope with their mother’s demands and increasingly strange behaviour

Alexander Bloom joined the cast at relatively short notice to take the roles of Jim (Irene’s first love ) and James convincingly and Sh’i’na McNaught played a sweet, but naive young Irene and Shelley ( Irene’s grandaughter)

The cast was completed by Terry Cramphorn playing the 2 roles of the consultant and the PC

It transpired that Irene had a secret from her youth which was revealed eventually when her daughters found and examined their mother’s old papers and letters.

The set was economical but entirely appropriate ( Ryan Read-Gaterell, Richard Dawes and John Maby ), greatly assisted by well placed lighting, sound and video effects, Well done Phil Wright, Ian Ransom and Peter Curtis.

Stage Manager Sally Williams made sure that the set changes which were required took place speedily and with no fuss.

Costumes were sourced by Bernice Cramphorn and the cast and reflected the period of the play admirably. Patsy Page was in charge of the wigs which complemented the costumes and added to the authenticity.

A lovely theatre and an appreciative audience. Well done to all the actors and the production team for a very enjoyable evening.

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