Brief Encounter

     

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Lisa Butler and  was able to discuss the performance at the end with the Director and the Producer, James Wetherall and Arjan Van Heuveln.

This version of the Noel Coward classic included music and singing, which I hadn’t seen before. The set, as always designed and built by the society, resembled the old fashioned waiting room of a train station in the 1930s complete with a very realistic buffet  bar and the obligatory station clock. Cafe tables and chairs were placed at front of tabs on either side of the stage. A white board showed scenes from1930s.  Lighting design and use was good and there were some good sound effects eg birdsong and trains arriving which made the setting realistic. In the main the cast projected their voices well and could be heard easily. Costumes were period relevant and in some cases formal and were supplied by the society. Changes of scene eg to the Jesson’s sitting room were suggested by swishing curtains and a small number of props were moved around seamlessly. Lots of tea and cakes being served and cleared away!

The two main characters, Laura Jesson and Dr Alec Harvey were well portrayed by Pippa Revell and Roger Weeley.  Played in a sensitive but formal manner, as befitted the times, they were well paired and displayed many emotions , including guilt, as their innocent encounter developed into a loving relationship. There was humour here with an unfortunate episode in a rowing boat and a striptease whilst in someone’s flat for an illicit afternoon. There were stellar performances from both Pippa and Roger.

Of course there were two other relationships apparent throughout. The Station Master, Albert Godby, expertly played by Alan Jones caused a lot of hilarity with his constant chasing of the feisty Myrtle Bagot ,the Tearoom Manager. played by Teresa Fraser. They made a traditional working class couple enjoying fun and life. Teresa had a lovely solo which she performed well.

The other couple were Stanley, a confectionery seller and Beryl Walter, a waitress played by Kieran Stone and Elizabeth Diamond. This was a timid love affair with Kieran as the cheeky Stanley and Elizabeth as a rather lacklustre young girl. Elizabeth had the most amazing facial expressions and contortions which created more hilarity. Well acted..

Ben Cook was Fred Jesson, Laura’s rather dull and disinterested husband and Anya Frost and Jessica Earl were their two children, Margaret and Bobbie. All played their roles well. There were also several small roles all very integral to the script and these were tackled enthusiastically. I must mention Jonnie, an army squaddie  who had a great solo.

Light music was beautifully delivered by a small band under the direction of Musical Director Jayne Barnes and Frankie Swan again choreographer the set pieces.

Congratulations to James and Arjan for their creativity and vision in bringing this production to stage. Well done to everyone involved.

 

 

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