Deckchairs and Unforgettable

The temporary transition to a smaller venue for their summerproduction did not affect the quality of the theatrical experience provided by Wombourne Players on this pleasant, warm evening. There was a smaller stage and for each play performed, minimal setting which was all that was necessary for our enjoyment. It felt quite intimate between the actors and the audience, which whilst smaller than usual, filled the hall to full capacity. The evening’s entertainment commenced with the delivery of three duologues, from,” Deckchairs”.Nothing detracted the audience’s engagement from the delivery of each script, written by Jean Mc Connell, which offered moments of humour and relatable interactions between some very interesting characters.

The first play, "Daytrippers," is a brief entertaining piece about two co-workers, Beryl, who is confident; and Doris who is prudish and self-conscious, who go on a seaside work outing. We first see these characters seated on deckchairs in bright sunshine; the setting being beside the sea, with accompanying sounds of waves and seagulls. The script explored the natural relationship and the warmth between these two ladies, focusing entirely on their interactions and viewpoints. Hannah Poole (Beryl) and Sue Flavell (Doris) portrayed their roles brilliantly, they seemed relatable and made their relationship believable, their dialogue flowednaturally with effortless ease. They elicited some spontaneous laughter upon discovering that they were on a nudist beach.Although it seemed that Doris was chatty, talkative, naïve and insensitive, Doris demonstrated she was not as strict as Beryl first thought. Fine acting from Hannah and Sue in caricatures of two different women.

The second duologue performed, focused on two keen gardeners, Cath (Sarah Aldridge) and Helena (CarolineRabone) who meet in a magnificent garden from which neither secretly intends to go home empty handed without cuttings. In this performance there were touches of competitiveness, snobbery and one upmanship between theseladies. (Their varying pronunciations of Dahlia were amusing.) Taking the part of the very conversant Cath, Sarah was so natural and fluent, her intonation and facial expressions added to the realism, and indicative of well-rehearsed lines. Caroline projected her role as Helena equally as well with effective characterisation. A fine, faultless performance from both Sarah and Caroline.

The final duologue performed before the interval, was entitled, “Cupboard Love,” a light comedy about two women,set at a seaside resort, (Peggy and Jane) exercising outdoors to keep fit and lose weight following instruction from their personal trainer. Believing themselves to be out of sight from their trainer, they stop to rest  after jogging. During their conversations, they are pleased to discover that they have many interests in common, such as men, food, and cooking. However, when they realize with dismay that they both share a passion for the same man, they devise a plan to seek retribution against the deceiver. There arose a sense of girl power and unity. As with the previous performances there was a strong rapport between Peggy, played by Karen Evans, and Jane by Hannah Poole. There was great focus on their intenseverbal exchanges, with some impressive line learning. Hannah delivered a solid performance, and Karen was also expressive in her role, both actors capturing attention.

After the interval there was a performance of ‘Unforgettable,’ a relatively new play with three scenes, written by the inspiring Sarah Aldridge herself. Sarah also directed it and played the key role of Marie. In the opening scene we meet her character, Marie, visibly distraught and terribly upsetholding a letter. She reveals to her friend and neighbour, Jane( Caroline Rabone) that she had found a letter addressed to her, written by her husband Tom. The letter was to be opened only if he died. Curiosity had urged her to open the letter even though her husband, Tom, was still alive and had livedharmoniously with her for the previous last 12 years. 

We learn that Tom had revealed in his letter that he had a daughter from an affair years ago. Following this scene, therevelation of betrayal, other family dynamics become entwined in what becomes for Marie an emotional roller coaster and we meet other family members, the parents, who intrude on her grief and try to influence her decisions for the future. Was Tom and Marie’s marriage in ruins? The audience is kept wondering. This is a believable story, a strong piecethat shows conflict, inner turmoil, betrayal, forgiveness, domination and some appeasement. Sarah’s performance was poignant and moving; her facial expressions spoke volumes; her voice gentle and her characterisation tinged with heavysadness yet demonstrated a surprising strength and determination to leave Tom in the final scene. Chris Smith portrayed the character of Tom with great effectiveness, eliciting empathy and encouraging thoughtful reflection. He played this key role with great commitment. Credit too, for a notable performance from Caroline Rabone who played Jane with energy and to Sue Flavell for her portrayal of Audrey. Graeme Lockey was excellent as Ray, suitably hesitant in hisefforts to smooth troubled waters. Jane Goldsmith played the dominating role of Valerie with conviction. A compelling drama, well done to all.

I loved the simplicity of the staging for all performances, this evening was dependent on characterisations, exchanges, expressions, gesture, timing and fluid dialogue. Congratulations to Sarah, the director, for a successful series of performances that were well-received by the audience and handled challenges skilfully. Well done to the cast and crew.

Thank you for inviting me.

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