Cranford

Cranford is largely dominated by women, mostly living in genteel poverty but maintaining aristocratic pretensions with unwritten rules on calling hours, dress codes and social interaction.  This lifestyle is about to change on the arrival of a man! Captain Brown, not so wealthy retiree, in the employ of the railway, the thought of which is fiercely resisted by the ladies. He is duly accepted after advising jokingly that former milliner, Miss Betty Barker, should make her most loved cow a flannel waistcoat, after having the  misfortune of falling into a lime pit – and she does!!  Captain Brown is accompanied by sickly daughter Mary, who later dies and daughter Jessie, who’s followed by suitor Major Gordon and after Mary’s death eventually gives in.  Action takes place within and around the home of central character, Matilda Jenkyns, fondly known as Miss Matty, mourning the death of beloved sister Deborah, house guest Mary Smith, wonderful replacement maid Martha plus an array of village characters including neighbour Miss Pole who excels in gossip. This is a light comedy, with interwoven sadness, elegant costuming and articulate speech.

The programme, a little complicated to follow, with particularly small print, had good content. Such a pity the correct NODA crest with wording was not included being part of the criteria, putting a programme forward for the annual competition.  Information can be found on the NODA website and perhaps be considered  next time – we’ve had winners in our area as well as national!

Headed by Stewart Currie, Steve & Ulli Lukas we were transported into a well designed, constructed and finished setting depicting Matty’s and Miss Pole’s cottages each with a window – Matty’s particularly well used for action be it cleaning, opening or peering through, a central door and both opening onto paved front gardens, with gate and fences, blooming flowers and foliages on side flats, dressed with garden furniture for afternoon teas.  Other venues were depicted front of stage, using trellis, bench and rattan furniture when required together with a low table, again beautifully laid for afternoon tea, used for a picnic all quietly moved by the stage crew.  A working, period water pump was placed down stage. Very good props were gathered, including hunting horn, on loan from the local hostelry, blown by Steve Lukas portraying Mr. Mulliner. A big effort with the costumes supplied mainly by The Miller Centre, Kay Marsh, and Chris Ore creating Major Gordon’s splendid hat, using perfect accessories in caps, bonnets, shawls, bereavement blacks, bags, trimmings and sensible footwear throughout. A most colourful magician’s costume for Darren Thomas as Signor Brunoni complete with turban, disappearing box and with a little help from real Magician Chris Keward performed tricks!

Noises-off added much comedy – barking from pet of haughty Mrs Jamieson and the hissing cat of deaf Mrs Forrester, horses, a carriage spill, mooing cow etc. Incidental music was well cued.

Bearing in mind the complexity of period language, limited space and spread of period costumes the actors coped very well indeed with movement, in and out of the cottages and in arrangement for sitting for tea parties etc. Enjoyable singing came from Rosie Newman-Bekkelund, with a rhythmic ensemble reel dance. There were costumes changes to deal with, plus on-stage changes of head attire all well managed, but many pauses occurred, due perhaps to the shortness of scenettes and perhaps this may have quickened – it was opening night.  A huge amount of script was well learned with prompt Liz King almost redundant. Carole Ore must be congratulated for her portrayal of quiet, gentle central figure, Miss Matty - ably supported by Julia Bennett’s performance as friend Mary Smith.  With wonderful facial expressions Wendy Wilson was the epitome of town gossip Miss Pole, whilst comedian of the piece was Martha, the maid, played by Alison Powell. Other ladies characterised extremely well adding much humour.  Good male characters appeared too, but exceptional was Andrew Robinson with lilting Scottish brogue as Major Gordon.

With the support and hard work of so many, Director Caroline Newman gave the audience a pleasurable evening’s entertainment.

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