Brief Encounter
Information
- Date
- 9th March 2023
- Society
- Clacton Amateur Dramatic Society
- Venue
- The Westcliff Theatre Clacton On Sea
- Type of Production
- Play
- Directors
- Brenda White-Robinson, David Thompson
I was warmly welcomed at Front of House by Chairman Ralph White-Robinson and spoke with Directors Brenda White-Robinson and David Thompson.
Unusually for this society there was some limited singing and dancing included in this fast moving and well known play. All the ensemble were involved in some songs and dances with varying degrees of success ! However all were very enthusiastic with notable performances by Rachael Welham with “Mad About The Boy” and Dean Kiely with “Go Slow Johnnie”
I must congratulate Jo Thorne, as Laura Jesson and Alex Bass, as Dr Alec Harvey for their stellar performances throughout. Jo was sensitive and anxious and Alex suitably pompous as befitted their characters as two people thrown together by a chance meeting in a railway refreshment room during WW2. Their characters developed as their romance blossomed . Very well cast and well played !
Myrtle, played by Kate Braithwaite was cheeky but strict as the tearoom manager and her antics with Albert, the Station Master played by David Lye were quite hilarious .Beryl, a waitress at the tearoom , played by Rachael Welham was very lively in her pursuit of Stanley, a cake seller played by Dean Kiely. I was impressed by Rachael’s superb facial expressions and her energetic performance.
Frank Bye, as Fred Jesson, was Laura’s somewhat dull and boring husband played in a sombre and very nonchalant way by Frank.
There was a myriad of small parts, all important in terms of the storyline and continuity with several actors taking more than one part. I was impressed that the cast managed to maintain their accents throughout. I also thought that all the cast projected their voices well in this large auditorium so that their words were clearly articulated and audible without microphones. Two small children, Isla Clift, as Margaret Jesson and James Braithwaite, as Bobbie Jesson made cameo appearances as Laura’s children and did very well.
There was a great sense of energy and enthusiasm and excellent acting ability by everyone on stage and certainly much comedy and innuendo which the audience enjoyed. Plenty of movement as well, carefully choreographed by Sarah Jane Dartnell.
The set, designed by David Thompson and Terry White was well built and attractive, with opening double doors in the tearoom scene and tables, chairs and a sofa used to change scenes to and from the lounge area. There was a lovely boat on stage at one point!
Sound effects were used to announce the arrival and departure of trains from the station and an off stage voice demonstrated the passing of time to the next Thursday when Laura and Alec would meet again. Good use of lighting highlighted the change of scene from station tearoom to lounge area. Costumes were all relevant to the wartime period.
Rachael De Roy was making her debut with the society as Pianist and Musical Director giving just the right support to the cast and she played some delightful piano pieces.
Many congratulations to the two Directors, Brenda White-Robinson and David Thompson for their innovative and exciting interpretation of this classic play which certainly showcased the many talents within this society.
Congratulations to everyone involved in any way with this production. I enjoyed it immensely.
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