Curtain Up!

Upon seeing Audley Theatre’s synopsis of Curtain Up!, I liked it so much that I ordered the script which is a hilarious read. Although Audley’s production probably should have been called “The Show Must Go On!” given that a cast member had to drop out 3 weeks before and the director was forced to step into the role. And then as we were settling into our seats, an announcement informed us that the poor director (now actor) had spent the early hours of that morning in A&E and may need to leave the stage urgently at any given time! Best wishes that she has made a speedy recovery but the show did go on, she got through it admirably and the audience were treated to a great night.

As a first-time visitor to Audley Theatre, I fell in love with this beautiful old building. What a fabulous facility for Audley to have! The show had the audience in stitches and hit a lot of the right notes throughout although I feel that it could have benefitted from stronger direction overall to really have drawn out all the humour offered by the script and the situational comedy. Although I am acutely aware of the challenges going on in the background. That did not stop many audience members from rising to their feet during the curtain call.

The set was great and made excellent use of the space offered by the theatre. It was well dressed with a very good use of props which had been appropriately adjusted in parts. Costumes were perfectly in keeping (loved Jackie’s aerobics outfit!!) and suited the characters. Sound and lighting complimented the action with no evidence of any tech gremlins (which would have been the last thing they needed after everything else!!)

This is a cast that had each other’s back in the best way! There was a few moments where the dialogue had definitely gone awry during the “shall we get a lookie-likey conversation” - as a fellow amateur performer, I recognised the panic in the eyes, expertly masked by a determination to get through it and I know that none of the audience would have noticed. True teamwork!

Chelsea Taylor as Theresa must have really wondered why she hadn’t taken up knitting as a hobby in the run up to opening night with all the challenges she faced. But fortunately she ploughed on to give us a lovely performance as the driving force behind this theatre refurbishment, trying to honour her Dad’s wishes whilst juggling warring matriarchal figures, a slightly dotty Gran and a best friend who comes complete with a criminal boyfriend. Given what you had going on just mere hours before, you did a sterling job.

Emma Knight as Sharon gave us a very accurate portrayal of the world weary punk persona, the costume was spot on as were the mannerisms and attitude. I did feel that this did unfortunately mute some of the character’s more comedic lines and maybe a bit more balance between her blasé approach to the world and some comedic light and shade would have highlighted some of the comedy. This would have had to have been a collaboration between direction and the actor’s characterisation. Excellent job with the aerobics, I think there is almost certainly a niche in the market for a punk disco version!

Candida Kelsall as Pam gave us a great portrayal as the scorned ex-wife, almost hating her replacement on instinct but wanting to support her daughter. Pam has some fabulously sarcastic lines which were well delivered in the main (I am still looking out for Bette Midler wandering around brandishing a saveloy!) and I have never seen anyone look so petrified onstage as she did during the Liza Minelli scene! The character’s epiphany at the end was very nicely done.

Lynne Williamson was Jackie and the “other woman”. And purveyor of very expensive paint but cost-effective toilet rolls! Lynne’s portrayal made her distinctive from the other women, particularly Pam which was nice. And her aerobic costume and moves were top notch! Jackie has to suffer some pointed barbs from Pam to begin with and react with quiet dignity which was portrayed nicely.

The last character is the Grandma of the family, Betty, portrayed by Julie McManus. She also has some very funny lines which were well delivered in the main. The actor obviously needed aging up based on her programme photo but I felt the wig was a bit distracting despite being amusing as it was quite over the top. But the idea of this project bringing “Granny” out of herself was nicely done as she went from little old lady to a hoodie wearing stage manager across the evening.

We all dread the sort of challenges that Audley Theatre faced in the run up to this production going up but they handled them admirably and put on a show that the audience loved and they all looked like they were having fun doing it (even Chelsea who must have been suffering). Thank you for my kind invitation to join you for the night and I look forward to whatever you have planned next.

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