Cold Comfort Farm

Cold Comfort Farm by actor playwright Paul Doust adapted from the novel by Stella Gibbons set in 1030’s.

Malcom Barker says in the programme he had been wanting to do this play but it had been withdrawn, he directed it 25 years ago. So, by chance he found out that the rights became available again. The play is set at Cold Comfort Farm home of the Starkadders. The piece is not what you expect with narration by the main character and an actual narrator, that breaks the fourth wall: we are taken on the journey of Flora Poste setting about tidying up the farm and the resident dysfunctional family. With a Greek Chorus, comedy, asides and speaking directly to the audience this period piece is modern in every way.  Not often you get such a large chorus used and they definitely added to the production.

The set as you walked in was the kitchen of Cold Comfort Farm with two doors Stage Right to the outside and Stage Left into the rest of the farm. Stage Left was a wooden table with wooden chairs. Centre Upstage was a stand with metal wash bowl. Stage Right was a fire with mice roasting (don’t ask!), a clock that featured heavily and chair. Stage Reft was also a large trailing green plant referred to as ‘silky bind’ - a fictional plant to add to the over-the-top language used. Pictures on the wall and cobwebs featured. The scenes were then interchanged with Hautcouture Hall, church and Aunt Ada Doom’s room. A video wall was used to good effect for some scenes and various props brought on like a rose arch, lectern and even the back end of a cow with a wooden leg. This was the first night and I did think some of the scene changes overly long and maybe using the full length of the stage without the use of having to move the two large back flats may have cut down on time, as it gave the actors a hard job of having to pick up the pace again starting each scene. This said, I get wanting to create the right atmosphere for each scene. Set Build Vic Wodhams and Team. Property Builder Anthony Kitchen. Stage Management Jane Wodhams and the Ninjas.

Lighting and Sound all help to create the atmosphere with the splashing of falling down the well effects and aeroplane taking off and landing. Lightning effect was also featured. Lighting and Sound by Mike Vickers, Kenton Barker and Neil Silcock. Costume and Make-up worked and added to the characters - I would liked to have seen Flora’s hair not as modern and possibly taken back off her face or more curls if having it down. Costume Joan Barker, Madeline French and Pat Manby. Make-up Shae Keith-Stewart.

The Narrator was Colin Smith. Sneller was played by Anthony ‘Kit’ Kitchen. Mrs Hawk-Monitor was played by Lynn Pegler. Urk Starkadder was played by Matt Jones. Elfine Starkadder was played by Penny White. The American producer Mr Neck was played by Phil Murray with energy. Rennet was played by Katy Proudman who had a habit of throwing herself down the well when her ex was mentioned and was shoeless until she was gifted some gum boots. Great character.

Reuben Starkadder and Richard Hawk-Monitor were played competently by Daniel Aynsley. Judith Starkadder was played by Jo Oultram, Judith had an unhealthy obsession with her son Seth and was downtrodden until she received a kiss. Charles, Lord Castleford of Cranbrook and Napthalie were played by James Partington. Strong characterisation in all parts. Amos Starkadder played by Stuart ‘Mac’ McNeil who loved to wallow in the darkness telling everyone they are damned. Funny moment with the quivering Brethren folks and his love of the brass warming pan which appeared to used more as a weapon!. Seth Starkadder was played by Scott Watson who had a passion for female film stars on cards, mollicking and posing.

Adam was played by Simon Hetherington and his love of his cows Graceless, Aimless, Feckless and Pointless was evident. Loved his take on the character and his interaction with the others. Aunt Ada Doom played by Sue Elliot - I didn’t count how many times she said the line ‘I saw summat narsty in the woodshed’ - but it was a lot. Dwelling on misery and making everyone miserable around her she controls the dark cloud hanging over the farm. Great at manipulation and is actually weary of it. A funny character and great facial expressions used to good effect. Funny scene with counting. We never did find out what happened in the woodshed but it did involve a goat! Flora Poste or Robert Poste’s child as she was known was played by Megan Billing. I liked how her character built up, when you get used to her talking directly to the audience and using common sense to sort the family out. She was the normality in the madness and could see things clearly. Working well with the cast Megan was the kingpin in the plot. Well played.

The piece did remind me of the 1970’s  American TV show SOAP. They lunged from one crisis to another. Very funny. Thank you so much for the laughs and hospitality, Kingsley Players from my guest Angela and I.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

D5 Rep

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