Crazy Horses

The action takes place over a period of several weeks in locations on Earth, in Heaven and in Hell. Heaven is in chaos and God shakes things up a bit by swopping roles of the Horsemen, Death and Famine. Unhappy with the idea the Horsepeople meet and scheme to call on Satan to stage a coup.

I would have described the staging as simple, with plain walls and 2 entrance doors at the rear of the playing area, but soon appreciated that with 14 changes in location, parts of the scenery were cleverly hinged, enabling the stage crew to completely change each set including the pictures on the walls. The wait whilst this was done was worth it.  

The scene opens in God’s office when the swop is arranged, but it does not go well when Famine (acting as Death) goes to the wrong address – one of many amusing scenes initiated by God (John Spencer), Death (Tony Hearn) and Famine (Steve Doidge). Also involved are Plague played by Jacky Bedford and War played by Phil Field and both add to the action well.

Moving to Satan’s Office we find Satan well played by Nathan Cole, although dressed in tank top and open sandals (with red painted toe nails) he needs his megaphone to sound sinister. We learn that the real power behind the office is Satan’s Mum, also played well by Jenny Spencer. To create havoc, Satan sends Frunk a goblin to meet the Horsepeople, who reckons unconvincingly he can hide anywhere. George Dixon played this with great characterisation. Great confusion ensues when a cleaner – expressively played by Stephanie Piggott -  arrives in God’s common room who the Horsepeople believe is Frunk in disguise.

Eventually the plot to overturn god fails and in another twist we learn the ‘family’ link between God and Satan and a proposal for a new 11th commandment! The entire cast were accomplished actors including all in other roles; Graham Isle ( Saint Peter) Bob Houghton (A Man) and Suzanne Hill standing in at short notice for Renee Field (A Woman) who subsequently was able to return to the role.  

Congratulations to Director Maurice Thompson and the production team and my thanks for the usual warm welcome.

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