Daisy Pulls It Off

It was wonderful to see this Company in action after a few years absence. I am sure, therefore, the author of this piece, Denise Deegan, who was present at the final performance, was proud of this production which lit up Theatr Colwyn and gave us plenty to laugh about on cold February night.

Much thought had been put into the set, which gave the piece that authentic feel, as the backcloth changed from time to time as each scene progressed. Lighting, blackouts, and scenery changes, were “bang on” as the girls would say, with appropriate props, including desks and jolly hockey sticks being moved by the girls, throughout the performance. Costumes were excellent with each pupil sporting the Grangewood School Blazer, red tie and white knee length socks and pumps, together with fitting costumes for all other characters involved.

The whole cast consisted of a group of 12 talented thespians covering, believe it or not, 16 different characters, each one enjoying the experience of performing their roles. Jennifer Appleton in the role of Daisy Meredith, gave an exceptional performance as the first pupil from a public elementary school to gain a scholarship to the prestigious Grangewood Boarding School for Girls. Jennifer fully immersed herself in Daisy’s character whilst being the recipient of many a joke and a few dirty tricks. Rachel Jones gave us a flawless and ‘spiffing’ portrayal as Trixie Martin, Daisy’s friend and ally, sporting so many comical facial expressions and bouncing with energy, she must have been exhausted.  Fran Cottingham was perfectly cast as Sybil Burlington, ‘Daddies wealthy little girl’, plotting and scheming Daisy’s downfall, exposing her to ridicule and hopefully the dismissal of the new pupil from Grangewood, great performance Fran. Jamie Ash as Sybil’s sleazy sidekick Monica Smithers, brought out the sneaky streak in her character exposing Daisy to her peers until the tables turned in Act2. Sophie Howells took command of her character with ease as the formidable Headmistress, Miss Gibson.

Anne Burgan was absolutely top notch throughout, taking on three different characters. Miss Granville, Form Mistress, Julia Stubbington 6th Form followed by Winnie Irving 2nd Form. Each time Anne appeared in a different guise; she was playing a completely different character with a different accent – brilliant. Full marks too to Dominique Watkins who also coped with three characters, Mademoiselle (Tutor), Mother, and Dora Johnson from the 4th Form, and like Anne, portraying each character with aplomb: Super!! Brilliant interpretation from Anne Davenport as Head Girl & Sports Captain Clare Beaumont, who took her role very seriously, coping with any situation as well as the Jolly Hockey sticks. Ami Pritchard as Alice Fitzpatrick Vice Sports Captain 6th Form gave full support to Clare Beaumont whilst demonstrating her stagecraft. Kate Russell as Belinda Mathieson, Form Captain of Upper 4th together with Directing the whole production, shone in her role and must be justly proud of the outcome of the piece. I loved the cleverly devised Hockey Match in Act 2.

I always enjoy the performance from Ashley McAllister who is so reliable in any role he tackles. His portrayal as the Music and Geography Teacher, Mr Scoblowski was no exception, his accent was constant throughout. Solid contribution and support from Jonathan Hughes as Gardener

My sister was the reader in our family with all the Enid Blyton books in her collection as mentioned in the Director’s Preface. I am sure she still has some books secreted somewhere in the house. I think I’ll have to hot foot it to the library for a catchup!

Congratulations to all concerned with this production, and thank you Contrast Theatre for your invitation, it has been a sheer delight.

 

This is the opinion of the Reviewer 

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