Cranford

A perfect sunny Saturday afternoon and I was delighted to consent to join Miss Matilda Jenkyns, affectionately known as Miss Matty, at her little soiree together with a small, but select company of the Fairlight Players supporters.  A very different way of ticketing. Met by Director Judy we took to our cushioned seats and enjoyed a peek into the lives of the ladies of Cranford.

Around 1830, Cranford is populated mostly by ladies and its existence is mainly based on gossip and rumour where a stranger could easily become a gang of French hairy robbers, even one with a hunchback! Miss Pole is gossip in chief. Several storylines run covering events, loves and losses with some great humour as well as sadness. Action all set to perfection in the drawing room of kindly Miss Matty, who is of good standing but not at the level of the haughty Hon. Mrs Jamieson trumping all by having connections with sister-in-law widow Lady Glenmire. She is to visit, which throws the village into upheaval – how should she be addressed? What dismay when she explains her husband had a very minor Scottish title and could hardly afford to travel to Edinburgh let alone London to attend Court. She in fact turns out to be a pleasant companion who is shunned by Mrs. J. when she has the nerve to marry Mr Hoggins the doctor! Martha is Miss Matty’s housekeeper in training who is sweet on Jem Hearn joiner who she subsequently marries We discover Miss Matty had a proposal of marriage from Mr Holbrook who probably lacked acceptable social standing, who regretfully dies and the bank her investments are lodged with collapses leaving her in financial trouble.  Tables are turned, the ladies wish to help and Martha and Jem offer to take over the house, she can happily remain and start a little tea business.

A very nice photograph of Cranford ladies at the card table in the local gave good pre-publicity together with a photographic display in the hall from Ken Hall.  A simple black/white A5 sheet programme from Karen Spencer and artwork by Carol Ardley contained clear information.  

The set designed and constructed by Trevor Lewing and his team looked effective and professional. Archways, steps to the upper floor, perfect fireplace with candelabra, fire irons, chestnut roaster etc. a good window area with easy to draw curtains for ‘peeking’. The well-dressed room contained plenty of detail - many paintings on the walls and the perfect central settee. Four fine dining chairs and a delightful card table set was efficiently extended for the ladies to play ‘Preference’.

Mrs Gaskell narrates, caringly conveyed by Pauline Lucas directly to the audience, neatly attired in period costume and as the other ladies, donning a beautifully constructed lace cap, and occasionally looking into the scene.  Jennifer Annetts, Miss Matty, had the demanding task of huge amounts of script to deliver and was on stage for majority of the well-paced action. She had a lovely softness about her, elegance, and the right amount pathos. Country girl Martha, awkward to start with turned out to be a star. Facial expressions very amusing particularly with well-timed business from Aisling Edie. Young Mary Smith was delightfully portrayed by Alice Tigwell – ringlets perfect for a young woman of the time. Miss Pole was the epitome of a bustling town gossip characterised superbly well by Charlotte Eastes and oh the sea green turban! Miss Betty Barker, former milliner and widow Mrs Forrester Clare Murray and Penny Kenward added their support and their own bits of gossip. Luci Mantel sailed beautifully around the stage keeping a straight face – not budging as the Hon. Mrs Jamieson – quite convincing. Charlotte Miller maintained a lilting soft Scottish accent throughout her performance with aplomb and surprised us by marrying Mr Hoggins namely Steve Hill who supported the ladies throughout. The role of young tongue tied joiner Jem, was nicely played by Thomas Edie.  

Excellent work on the costumes from Sandi Mouzer and Jill Lewing – obviously keen on attention to detail. The headgear was exceptional.

With Judy’s dedicated debut direction, her added comedy and a strong cast, this was a most enjoyable production

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