Cranford

Cranford

Rock Ferry Operatic Society

22/11/24

 

We were welcomed by Rock Ferry Operatic Society to the Little Theatre Birkenhead to see a performance of Cranford written by Elizabeth Gaskell, which was published in instalments in Charles Dicken’s magazine ‘Household Words’ then turned into a book in1853.  This adaptation is written by a society member Catherine Neal specifically for R.F.O.S.

Cranford is a small English village, tidy and well kept. The time is the early 1840's. The village hasn't changed much over the years and the women want it to stay that way. They adore good gossip and romance and change is in the air, as the unwelcome grasp of the Industrial Revolution approaches their beloved rural town in the shape of the Northern Railway.

At the heart of this adaptation are the women of Cranford, for whom gossip is a way of life, who do not want change. Miss Deborah Williams (Binny Williams), a severe woman who is not without feelings and who is the acknowledged arbiter of what is proper. Her sister, Miss Matty Jenkyns (Kathy Dally), is a bit scatterbrained but a warm and empathetic person. Then we have Miss Pole (Catherine McNally), who is always the source of the juicier gossip; Mrs. Forrester (Claire Kirby) who is a bit of a ditherer but good-hearted and is married to the village Doctor (Quentin Neal). Then there is Miss Jamieson (Elizabeth Salter), better off than the others which she is careful to display at any opportunity. There is Eliza (Pauline Wright) who is a maidservant to the Jenkyns sisters, she has a good mind and a sense of humour. What of the men? They're around, such as newly arrived in the village railway activist Captain Brown (Barry Prescott) and his daughter Miss Jesse Brown (Vicky Holbrook) Matty’s former admirer Mr Holbrook (Chris Bowsley) Miss Jesse’s suitor from her past Major Gordon, Postman. Guitarist (Kevin Fishwick), Eliza’s secret beau Jem Hearn (Chris Bowsley) and Mr Higgins/Jack in the Green (Tony Harrison) all bring disruption and excitement and sadness to the everyday life of the Cranford women.

Catherine Neals’ adaptation of this story is a musical, with  folk-songs, ballads and carols of the period. We are introduced to the talented sisters, musicians Helen Williams and Julie MacLean, who are joined by Jane Davenport who is Director, Musical Director and on keyboard. A very busy lady indeed. This was an unusual concept, however the quality of the singing voices of this operatic society was splendid. Highlights for me ‘A Lark in the Morning’ ‘Loves old Sweet Song’ with the finale ‘Auld Lang Syne’ when we the audience were encouraged to join in.

On opening night  there were some technical glitches, varying sound levels, plus inconsistent lighting, which was a shame. One of the key characters read from the script throughout which inevitably slowed down the pace which was unfortunate. This enthusiastic cast had mixed acting ability, often the case in amature theatre, were experiencing their first time onstage, may I suggest a more focused rehearsal schedule. The full ensemble musical numbers however were faultless, to be expected from such a long-established operatic company. I feel I need to mention some performances which were lovely to watch, Binny Williams, warm sensitive scene with Miss Jesse, well done.  Barry Prescott totally believable as the blustering protective father. Kevin Fishwick, owned all three of his characters, Major Gordon/Postman/ Guitarist well done. Finally, Pauline Wright, great natural comedy performance. well done.

Thank you, Rock Ferry Operatic Society, for my invitation to your first production at The Carlton Little Theatre, looking forward to many more. It was good to hear the audience at  singing along with the well-known songs, on leaving the auditorium Auld Lang Syne was ringing in my ears.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

 

 

 

 

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