Cathy

Huntingdon Drama Club chose the hard-hitting play Cathy both as their 75th Anniversary production, but also for their return to their ‘home’ The Commemoration Hall.  Inspired by Ken Loach’s 1966 television drama ‘Cathy Come Home’ the play is set in 2015 and 2016 and is about the impact of spiralling living cost and the UK government’s austerity measures. It is disturbing to see how similar the situations are for both the 1960’s and the 2015/16 Cathy’s.

Choosing not to use the stage was an excellent decision by Director, Rae Goodwin. The audience was seated on three sides, studio style, and from the first words spoken we were drawn into the action – it was a ‘fly on the wall’ experience. There was excellent use of the floor space with minimal set – a table and 3 chairs, a sofa, an arm chair and small table, plus a free-standing door placed behind the audience.

The main protagonist of the play, single mum Cathy played superbly by Kerry MacCuaig takes us on a downward roller coaster of emotions as she desperately tries to save her home for her and her daughter Danielle, portrayed brilliantly by Emma Jagger. I felt that both played their roles completely convincingly, both fighting to survive against the world and the system. Emma’s scene after being attacked by the gang on the bus was particularly touching.

There were great changes of pace and clear dialogue throughout. Apart from the role of Housing Officer Shania, played very well by Vicky Calleway, the remaining characters only appear in one scene each, so it was essential that they created an impact from their first words – which they all achieved. Luke Hewitt did great work playing the extremely horrible and offensive young new Landlord, and yet was also able to bring some dark humour to the role. I was also impressed with Les Roberts in his role as Cathy’s Grandad, Reg. His attention to detail as an Alzheimer/dementia patient was incredible, from the shuffle of feet to the completely confused look.

I was surprised when I read the programme in more detail that Alex Kennedy, who as Cathy’s ex husband Glen had only very recently joined the cast – his performance looked as well rehearsed as everyone else. The dynamics between him and Cathy and Dan were completely plausible. Ann Monk as the good Samaritan, mug of tea provider, bus driver Karen, provided some lovely warmth from her performance against the harsh backdrop of the cold bus station. I also thought the relationship between the sisters Cathy and Bex, played by Sharon Reed was so awkwardly real.

Accents can be a challenge, but Brontë Beckett as Anja spoke with a very credible Latvian one. Her obvious disdain of her sleezy nightclub owner boss, Dale, played wonderfully obnoxiously by Phil Green, was totally believable. Bethan Williams as Sal, Chris Pridmore as Gary, and Paula Spalding as Pamela had slightly smaller roles, but they all performed to a very high standard.

Although a modern play, mistakes can happen in terms of costume (Stephanie Dickenson) and set (Anita and Paul Thompson), however everything looked just right.  This alongside the skills of Stage Manager, Lola Harling, Jason Austin (sound) and Max Richardson (lighting) Huntingdon Drama Club managed to transport me into Cathy’s life.

Thank-you HDC for a very thought-provoking evening and also to Marion for hosting me so well.

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