Summer End

‘Summer End” is a comedy murder mystery written by the BAFTA award winning playwright Eric Chappell, whose brilliant writing talent gave us some of the most iconic, well known comedy T.V. programs such as “Rising Damp” and “Duty Free”. Sadly Eric passed away recently, so CADOS took the opportunity to dedicate this production of his play “Summer End” to celebrate his life and work.”Summer End” premiered in Newquay Cornwall in August 2002 and now this new wonderfully funny outstanding production from CADOS was directed by the talented Rebecca Dickinson and Produced by Sam Quinn.

The play is set in a care home with a cast of five characters played by five very talented actors which included Susan Hilton, who gave a very comedic outstanding performance as Emily Baines, a cantankerous, sharp witted long time resident of the home, who believes that her previous room mate was murdered, but no-one would listen to her with the result that she pointed the finger of suspicion at everyone she came into contact with. Susan also delivered amazing punchlines with brilliant  comic timing that had the whole audience in stitches and she maintained her characterisation throughout the play. Kate Thorley as May Brewer, Emily’s new roommate did an excellent job producing a  lovely contrasting characterisation to Susan’s.May was gentle, considerate, and appeared vulnerable at times. Kate took May through a journey from being a supportive companion for Emily, to being suspicious of her and speaking up for herself. At all times Kate remained in character and delivered some very enjoyable moments throughout the production. Kimberley Barrett as Sally the Care Worker was spot on in her interpretation of the role. I particularly enjoyed the contrast between ditsy Sally and sinister threatening Sally. Kimberley brought energy to the role along with some nice comedic moments, such as listening in while watering the plants.

Jane Frohock as Mrs Lang the Care Home Manager, delivered a very good believable performance as a women who initially comes across as a very caring person but unfortunately we find out she can be manipulative and is actually first and foremost a businesswoman. Steve Unsworth as Emily’s son Alan Baines gave a good strong performance, there was an excellent rapport between Susan and Steve which made their relationship very believable, they produced some very good comedy between them as well as talking about more serious and poignant topics such as the care home situation and their personal relationship.

The set representing a double room in a care home, was as usual of a very high standard, the attention to detail by the set designers and the dressing of the set by props was excellent. I thought the one set change between the first and second scene was very well done, the lights were dimmed to allow two crew members dressed as care home workers to redress the stage and change the timeline to Christmas while Christmas music played which all looked very natural. Well done to Stage Manager Ian Brookfield and all stage crew, props and backstage workers. Lighting and sound by Paul Carr worked very nicely complementing the action on stage, again there was excellent attention to detail, such as how the use of a light switch for the bathroom along with set design made it look realistic, you would have thought there was actually a bathroom behind the door. Costumes arranged by Sandra Dickinson were excellent and applicable to the subject matter, the setting of the play and the characters adding authenticity.

Congratulations  to everyone involved in bringing this outstanding production to the stage. There were lots of big laughs from the audience, but it was also very poignant at times and touched on subjects such as family and what can happen to people as they get older.

Thank you for inviting us, we had a very enjoyable evening.
 
 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.