The Time Machine

Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (CADOS)’s latest production performed in their studio theatre was “The Time Machine”, a comedy play, written by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, which was first produced in 2023 when it toured the UK, before a run at the Park Theatre, London.

Produced and directed by the talented and experienced Sean Duxbury, the play is loosely based on HG Wells story “The Time Machine,” although there is some of the original story in the script and we do get to see some characters from the book, such as an Eloi named Weena and a Morlock, this version takes you on a rollercoaster ride with lots of action adventure and wacky situations. It uses a well-executed play-within-a-play format with plenty of technical mishaps, fast-paced costume, and prop changes as well as loads of wonderful, offbeat humour, and appears to draw inspiration from “The Play That Goes Wrong” format. The show is unpredictable and a little confusing at times, however it is genuinely very funny and extremely enjoyable.

The narrative centres on three actors who are in the midst of preparing for a theatrical performance. Their original plans are thrown into disarray when Dave Wells, revealed to be the great-great-grandson of H. G. Wells, stumbles upon a box containing his ancestor's possessions. Among these items is a journal detailing his adventures and the concept of time travel. Inspired by this extraordinary find, Dave persuades his friends Amy and Michael to abandon their intended production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” in favour of staging “The Time Machine.” The discovery does not end there; Dave also uncovers the actual time machine built by Wells. This revelation sets the trio off on a frantic and unpredictable journey across different eras. Their adventure through time is marked by chaos and confusion, ultimately culminating in a tragedy that closes the first act.

The second half features audience involvement and is even more lively and manic than the first act. Michael tries to explain time paradoxes, and he has an actual date on stage with an audience member, there is Irish dancing, an appearance by Harry and Meghan, Kermit and Miss Piggy, there is even a Shakespearean soliloquy.

The success of this production hinged on the actors’ exceptional skills in comic timing and teamwork, as well as their remarkable versatility in moving between genres and portraying a diverse range of characters, often in rapid succession. These qualities were demonstrated in abundance by the talented cast: Robert Walsh (Dave Wells), Lauren Brogan-Brown (Amy Tymes), and Kieran Smith (Michael O’Reilly).

Robert Walsh gave a spirited and self-assured performance as Dave, adeptly portraying the character’s zeal and steadfast resolve to bring the play inspired by his great-great-grandfather’s story to the stage. His depiction captured Dave’s infectious enthusiasm, driving the narrative forward and anchoring the production.

Lauren Brogan-Brown displayed an array of talents and injected vibrant comedic energy into her portrayal of Amy. She particularly delighted the audience with her entertaining version of Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” adding a memorable musical element to the show and further showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Kieran Smith was excellent in his role as the earnest and dramatic Michael. A notable moment was when Michael realised a personal ambition from his bucket list: delivering the speech from the closing scene of the 1987 film “Withnail and I.” This scene, originally performed by the character Withnail, features the renowned soliloquy from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Act 2, Scene 2), “What a piece of work is man.” Kieran’s interpretation was clear and engaging, making Shakespeare’s words more accessible and resonant for the audience.

The production was staged in the round, offering optimal visibility for the audience. Although there was no scenery, numerous props were utilised, complemented by high-quality special effects, lighting, and sound, all designed and managed by Paul Carr. These elements contributed significantly to the overall success of the play, with Paul’s role being acknowledged in the script. Mick Phillips constructed and designed an impressive Time Machine, featuring functional components and flashing lights, closely resembling both the iconic device from the film "The Time Machine" and the version seen in "The Big Bang Theory." Several rapid costume changes essential to the production were organised by Kath Townsend, Dawn Hull, and Evie Wharton, and Ian Robinson handled marketing.

Although this was an unconventional and quirky production, it clearly involved considerable effort and technical preparation. The show is fast-paced and wise-cracking, and travels in time from the nineteenth century to what could be the end of the world as we know it, and back again, it was entertaining and engaging, with an excellent audience connection and it is a surefire audience-pleaser. Congratulations to everyone; your hard work and talent made for a hugely enjoyable hilarious evening

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.