Broken Glass

Broken Glass
Written by: Arthur Miller
Performed by: Axbridge Community Theatre
Artistic Director: John Bailey
Venue: The Alma Tavern & Theatre Clifton
Date: 1st April 2025
Noda Rep: Mike Purnell

I was very pleased last year to have visited the Alma Tavern for the very first
time. Having lived in Bristol for many years and now in the surrounding
countryside, I couldn’t believe it took me so long to discover it. What a gem
of a little venue. I was extremely pleased to be invited back by a group I have
not had the pleasure of reviewing, and a new play to me of which I knew
nothing about. I have only seen a couple of Arthur Miller plays in the past and
I will admit to being more of a musicals style person, but I will also admit I
have never been disappointed coming out of an Arthur Miller play. This was
certainly no exception. It’s quite a rare occasion when I sit in the audience
with my pen and pad and write next to nothing. This was true at your
production of Broken Glass. I was caught up in the drama right from the word
go.
The setting was very simple did we need more? Absolutely not, each area
depicted exactly where we should need to be and with such a small stage,
you created air around the areas so there was plenty of space for free
movement allowing the actors to act. At no point did I ever feel the stage was
crowded I know most of the scenes were duos or trios but everybody felt
very natural in their movement and at no time did anyone block anyone else.
The direction worked very well for me.
The casting was spot-on. How lucky was the Director to have such a crop to
pick from. Each character was so believable in their role. There really was no
room for error, as amongst such fine acting one would have been terribly
exposed. I thought the pace was pitched perfectly. We hardly had time to
draw breath during the scenes, but the scene changes (which were
excellently executed) just gave us the time to consume what we had just
witnessed.
I must compliment the costume designer. The costumes worn felt just right.
From hair design down to shoes, I felt everything had been thought about. A
lot of detail had been considered. Congratulations Axbridge Community
Theatre on what really was an excellent production. What a great idea to take
your production to a couple of venues and I was so thrilled that out of your
immediate area you still manage to gain an audience. This was a very thought
provoking play and one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Congratulations.

Sylvia Gellburg
A very believable actress. I must say that when I come to the theatre, I’m very
much a front row kind of person I do like to witness the expressions on faces
and eyes. I do believe they tell us everything we need to know. You did just
that. Playing a woman who was mysteriously paralysed from the waist down
and either lying in bed or sat in a wheelchair, the facial expressions were
extremely important and you made the most of this. Your interactions with
Philip and Harry were most believable and I enjoyed your performance very
much.

Philip Gellburg
This was probably one of the most complex characters to portray. Your
obsession with work and success, to the downfall of your relationship with
your wife Sylvia. You needed to prove that you are as good as anyone else
being a Jewish man living in Brooklyn you portrayed this excellently. You
captured us in your story from the word go. A very convincing accent. Your
interaction with all the other characters was extremely natural and believable.
The heart attack was suitably well judged and never overacted.

Dr. Harry Hyman
A crucial character to the play as you are the link between everybody. As the
play progresses the strong emotional connection between yourself and Sylvia
was extremely well judged. Very natural actor who put us at ease from the off.
Your diction was extremely good. Some lines were delivered with your back
to us and and a lot from the side. But we didn’t miss a thing you wouldn’t
believe how unusual this is today when I visit plays. Loved the suit and didn’t
even mind the man bun.

Margaret Hyman
The first thing I noticed about you when you entered the stage was what a
wonderful stage presence you have it was almost like you’ve brought your
own spotlight. I enjoyed your performance very much and was lovely to have
some light relief in your character. All your costumes were a perfect choice
and just added to your characterisation. Good comic timing with your little
one liners. This was a part that you really made your own. Very enjoyable.

Harriet
Another fine actress. Every expression, gesture or movement told us
everything we needed to know. It goes to prove there are no such things as
small parts. You absolutely made the most of every line you had and gave us
a very believable, enjoyable and considered performance.

Stanton Case

Not always easy being the last character to arrive on stage, but you gave us a

great confidence and looked every inch the captain. A good relationship was
portrayed between you and Philip and your disappointment in him came over
extremely well.

Director
I do hope from this report you get the feeling I really enjoyed it, as I did. You
really had an excellent cast and utilised them to the full. The pace you
created I felt was spot-on. I’ve often heard people say of Arthur Miller’s plays
that they can be long and drawn out, but this was certainly not the case in
Broken Glass. You created a compelling story which kept the audience
engaged throughout. You honestly could’ve heard a pin drop. I do hope to
see more of your work in the future.
We can’t say that these matters would be trivial in our world of today, but
sadly it still holds relevance in our societies now. The themes of prejudice,
discrimination, and the power of propaganda are still prevalent in today’s
society. This play highlights the need for continued efforts towards equality
and justice for all.
Thank you for a most entertaining evening and I sincerely hope to see you all
again very soon.
Best wish
Mike

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