Cranford

~~The Blackmore Theatre   Exmouth         “CRANFORD”                                             The Exmouth Players
Director Nick Lawrence                                                                                                October 16th 2014

This production of “Cranford” was a real gem from start to finish.  An atmosphere was created immediately the curtains drew back revealing Miss Matty Jenkyns parlour.
  Mrs Gaskell (Barbara Pentecost) opened the play with lines from her book from which the play was adapted. The voice projection and stage presence showed the years of experience this actress has had. Her several appearances during the play, only seen and heard by the audience, watching her younger self, Miss Mary, gave a sense of the melancholy of time passing.
Miss Matty (Joyce Pomeroy) was played with great sensitivity and conviction, her background as a daughter of “the cloth” really showing in her attitudes and sense of responsibility to keep up standards
Pauline Jury as Miss Mary came over as a kind and understanding lady that was understated and believable.
Martha the maid, Rhiannon Driver, undertaking her first major role; made a splendid “rough around the edges” maid who did not understand the finesse of such a household, did well indeed , some good lines were thrown away, but none the less a great performance.
Fin O’Leary as Miss Pole did a splendid job as the village gossip a super part to play and obviously relished by this accomplished actress.
Miss Barker (Pat Davies) liked to be correct in all things, and to be complimentary in all matters so as to not offend. This she portrayed very well.
Wendy Bishop as Mrs Forester did a great job .she showed her skill   with her gliding movement across the stage, but in her portrayal of a nervous lady easily unnerved by talk of nasty burglars!
The Hon. Mrs Jamieson, (Pat Cowey) commanded the stage as soon as she walked on. Her natural authority adding to the role as this haughty character. The right voice and stance; and managing the eventual “comedown” very well
Lady Glenmire played by Jenny Bowden, was not the upper crust aristocrat that one was led to believe she would be, but a simply very nice down to earth honest lady and this was well portrayed.
Lee Haddow as Mr Hoggins did a great job and suited Lady Glenmire, they made a nice couple.
Jem Hearn (Andy Jury) acted his part so well I began to wonder if he would marry because he was so scared of the women!
This was a warm and happy play, well-acted by all the characters and was extremely well cast, together with such excellent costumes and a superb set with many authentic touches.
My congratulations not only to Nick Lawrence the Director but to all concerned in what is a real gem of a play very well done.
Graham N.O.D.A. Rep

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