Clara's on the curtains

Clara’s on the Curtains was the second one act play of the evening this one directed by Alison Rapley.

I could see Alison’s vision and it made complete sense to have no set and a completely open stage.  This can have its pros and cons.  On this occasion the pros were that it gave a lot a stage for the actors to use, which is great.  The cons were that at times a few of the actors walked in front of others meaning sight lines were blocked and some actors were masked.

Lyn Hudson made sure that we knew that Mabel was in charge and could do anything!  Clara played by Alycia Ball had good comic timing and the use of the curtains was well timed.

Pam Murphy gave Iris the air of an old school actress her diction was good.  Tanja played Sonia, she needed to stand still when she was speaking at times it was off putting.  Her diction was good, and she delivered her lines well she just needed to plant her feet.

Jeanne and Mavis were played by Trish Waddington and Alison Rapley they came across as a double act, trying to get Amanda to speak!  I particularly liked the tracksuits it made them look like a double act.

Krystel Howard played Amanda, she had very little to do and that was part of the plot she had lost her voice and she portrayed this well, making sure there was a little sound when she tried.

When Suzanne Holband came on as Annie the energy changed, she was great, and Lousie Davey as Shirley bounced off her well.  Lynn Jones had a good commanding presence on stage and her rendition of the poem was good.

Overall, it was a good one act play, there were moments the lines needed to be picked up quicker, as this would have helped the overall pace of the play.

The evening ended with several of the CDS membership putting on an 80’s mega-mix.  It was a lovely way to include more people, sometimes though less is more maybe there was one too many numbers, however it was inclusive and signing in “It’s raining men” was a wonderful addition.

Thank you to Cheshunt Dramatic Society for a lovely evening.

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