CHARLEY'S AUNT

Author: Nova Horley

Information

Date
14th June 2024
Society
TADS Theatre Group
Venue
TADS Theatre, Toddington
Type of Production
Play
Director
Sarah Benjamin

A production in the round from TADS, which on the whole seemed to work quite well.

The props were good, and the set, although basic, worked well, and was nicely dressed.  I liked the fact that Adam Awan as Brassett welcomed the audience and showed us to our seats, a nice touch that set the scene.

Lighting was suitable throughout and diction was good, although projection needed attention at times, although from where I was seated I felt that I missed out on seeing much of the facial expressions of the cast. 

The ladies costumes were excellent and worn well, with good wigs/hairdos, very acceptable for the era the piece was set in, however I felt the gentlemen’s costumes were not worn at all well, men in that era were very precise in what and how they wore their clothes, overall there needed to be someone who made sure the gents were correctly dressed before they went on stage, as the costumes themselves were fine.

There was a lot of humour, although I felt some was missed because of the inexperience of some cast members, and perhaps a lack of projection at times, which is key when doing a production in the round - good to see first time actors on stage for TADS.

I particularly liked Susie Conder who played Charley’s Aunt – Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez – her undoubted experience showed in her bearing and delivery, whilst looking exceptionally well-dressed.

Emily Venn gave Ella Delahay a nice edge and some comedic lines which were delivered with understanding and a sense of fun.

Adam Awan played Brassett the manservant with just the right amount of deference, whilst also delivering some wry asides well.

Liam Tonner as Charley created the nice character of a carefree student, with a good relationship with Izzy Melville as Amy – they played well off each other, both in their first production with TADS.

Jack Goodenough as Jack seemed to lack a bit of pace at the beginning but gained in confidence latterly, (he needed smartening up costume-wise), his young lady was played very nicely by Natalie Shearer.

Mark Tuck was a hoot as Lord Fancourt Babberley, who impersonated Charley’s Aunt when Jack and Charley needed a chaperone for their lunch with their young ladies, nicely achieved.

The older more respectable gentlemen Sir Frances Chesney and Stephen Spettigue played by Alan Piercey and Josh Rush, both gave expansive portrayals, with energy and intent.

All in all an enjoyable production, which the audience enjoyed, but needed a little more attention in places.  My thanks to TADS for their hospitality, always a pleasure to visit and meet with amdram colleagues.

Nova Horley

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