Bothered & Bewildered

This production was first-class, well directed with a very brilliant cast.  The play has all the emotions that a family goes through when dealing with a loving member of their family who is going through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  The sisters Louise and Beth have conflictions as to how to take care of their mother. Arguments and recriminations ensue with each sister dealing with the problem in their own way.  Meanwhile, their mother Irene’s mind flicks from her past passion for romantic fiction, which starts to merge with reality. She has conversations with her unseen favourite author Barbara Cartland. The outcome of these imaginative conversations is that Irene writes a memory book disclosing secrets from her past, which will never be revealed.

Each and every member of the cast were excellent in their very demanding roles. The dialogue flowed well with good diction, ease and a relaxed manner. It gave a feeling that the audience were sat with the sisters while having a conversation with the consultant, and going through the emotions while each member of the family dealt with Irene’s illness.  There were times when you laughed and times when you had empathy for the family.

Although the family could not see Barbara Cartland the audience certainly could and everything about Heather Boulby’s mannerism, speech and characterisation was superb.  Loved the dress.

Anna Wilkinson and Amanda Gill gave two outstanding performances portraying sisters Louise and Beth respectively.   They interacted extremely well as sisters do dealing with each other’s conflicting emotions. 

Irene - Jane Fellows had a special challenge portraying the ageing mother as she descends into Alzheimer’s. This was a difficult role having to move quickly from moments of making sense to times when she heard voices in her head and seeing people that no one else could see.  Jane gave a brilliant performance.

John Varlow gave a very good characterisation of the consultant with compassion and ease.

Lou Hardy portrayed Irene as a young girl from 1940’s and later on as her granddaughter.  Lou was perfect in both of these roles, especially as the granddaughter, Shelley showing compassion of how a young girl loves her grandmother, telling her all her secrets.

Bill Wilde portrayed two wonderful roles, one as Jim, Irene’s lover and father of her son, whom she had to give-up for adoption.  All of this happened during the war years.  Bill’s other role was as James, the son who many years later came looking for his Mother but she failed to recognise him.

David Smith gave an understanding role as the policeman, coming to the aid of Irene as she wanders about the streets. 

The lighting and sound gave excellent effects which enhanced this very, very good production.

Congratulations to Karen, the cast and everyone involved in making this a brilliant production.

Thank you for the invite your hospitality and an evening enjoyed by myself and the audience.

 

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